Dan Olsen

Dan Thomas Olsen
March 8, 1942 – November 2, 2025
Dan Thomas Olsen-a loyal, cherished patriarch, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-will be remembered for his integrity, in-exhaustible work ethic, quick wit, generosity, and deep faith. His life, miraculously spared when he was ten years old, was one of devotion and purpose. Dan passed away peacefully in his home, just where he wanted to be.
In his own words, Dan was "born of goodly parents on March 8, 1942, and enjoyed a wonderful religious upbringing in the Salt Lake Valley." He was the second of ten children, four brothers and five sisters-and shared many fun and memorable adventures growing up with his brothers.
While attending high school, Dan enjoyed swimming, diving, and playing football on school teams. He was blessed with "two great Explorer Leaders" who introduced him to camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting, and canoeing down the Snake River. He often said his teenage years were "among the most carefree of his life, filled with weekends spent playing ball, hunting, or fishing with good friends and great leaders."
Dan attended the University of Utah for a short time but felt better suited for Construction work. After working for West Construction and then for the Cottonwood Improvement District for seven years as an inspector, he learned a little about pipeline construction. Dan began his own pipeline construction company. (Digging trenches and burying pipe.)
At about nineteen, Dan began dating Janice Taylor ("a cute, quiet girl from my ward,") They were Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 15, 1963. Together, they raised six children - three sons and three daughters. Dan often said, "Janice is a great wife, a super mother, and the best missionary companion I've ever had."
Dan and Janice shared a love of horseback riding in the mountains, exploring Utah's backcountry, and enjoying God's creations. Dan took helicopter piloting lessons and later enjoyed golfing with his sons and grandsons.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dan served faithfully in many callings, including several bishoprics, and as a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple baptistry for three years.
Dan referred to his missionary service at the Heber Valley Camp from 2012 to 2013 as the "highlight of his life." Assigned to the challenge courses alongside Janice, he soon realized their service would be far more than physical-it was PROFOUNDLY spiritual.
"We were blessed with great health and unmatched safety and protection. Our days were filled with fresh, clean air, beautiful scenery, sunshine, soft breezes, fluffy clouds, deer, and moose. It was a totally wonderful, exhilarating, and spiritual experience "the best 2 summers of my life!!!" Every day we felt the Spirit: prevalent, abundant, and strong. It touched and softened hearts, changed lives and attitudes, and reminded everyone that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us."
Dan loved describing the "High Course Challenge" as a "Test of Courage" where more than 16,000 participants crossed swinging bridges and took "Leaps of Faith" from the nest to a 100-yard zip line, noting that all completed the course without a single serious injury-something he called "amazing protection from above."
Dad often shared how richly our family was blessed during their missionary service-with health, safety, guidance, employment, stability and peace.
As a father, Dan was known for his generosity, hard work, and love of the outdoors. He showed deep respect and care for Janice and led by example-teaching his children, to serve, to work hard, and to find joy in simple things like a bike ride, a ball game, or a high dive on a summer day.
Dan's life was a testament of faith, family, and quiet service-a legacy that will continue to bless generations to come.
With Love and Gratitude (for your journals, memories, and words shared over the years)
Compiled by Staci, on behalf of Mom and all your family.
Services Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dan Thomas Olsen
Location: LDS Chapel, 11251 South 2700 West
Thursday, November 6th
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday, November 7th
10:00–10:45 a.m. – Quiet Time of Remembrance
11:00 a.m. – Service: A time to remember and honor
Laid peacefully to rest at: Larkin Sunset Gardens
1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah
Click this link to view additional details about Dan's Services,
including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/dan-olsen-2025