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BORN
1952
DIED
2025
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Ranae Olafsson Obituary
1952 ~ 2025
Sandy, UT-Ranae was born on July 15, 1952, to Rulon "Paul" and Ramona Madsen in El Paso, TX. Ranae passed away unexpectedly following a short illness on her son's birthday, March 11, 2025, at her home in Sandy, UT. She was 72 years old.
Ranae married the love of her life, Harald E. Olafsson on August 30, 1973, in the Salt Lake Temple. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a marvelous family vacation creating memories that will last a lifetime.
She loved life and her three children. And most of all she loved her eight grandchildren. She made it a priority to establish a wonderful relationship with each of them. Everyone loved coming to Mormor/Farmor's house.
She had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling the world, experiencing different cultures in many countries, on all seven continents. She was always planning her next trip. She tried to visit a temple no matter where they were in the world.
She had a strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and served faithfully wherever she was called. Whether it be Cub Scouts, Primary, Relief Society, and most recently as a service missionary for the Pathway Worldwide Program. She had a generous heart and was always aware of the needs of others. Her service was often behind the scenes as she did not seek to be in the limelight.
She had many talents that included being a skilled seamstress, marvelous home-cook and amateur travel agent. Her favorite sport was golf, whether on the course with her husband or at the card table. She was the ultimate "soccer mom/grandma."
Ranae is survived by her husband Harald, her children: Liv (Steven) Moffat, their children, Soren, Vivian, Roman and Simone; Erik and his children Claire and Ethan; and Kari (Thomas) Lane, and their daughters Emma and Evelyn. She is also survived by her siblings, RoLayne (Brent) Fowler, Russell (Kaye) Madsen, and Robyn (Alan) Gardner. Ranae is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Ramona Madsen. She also leaves behind many friends, cousins and extended family. She will be dearly missed.
Viewing will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at the LDS Wardhouse located at 2180 East Meadowlark Way (9020 South), Sandy, UT 84093. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday at 11:00 am. Graveside service to be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ranae Olafsson
Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy.
Preston M Eichers
April 10, 2025
Harald - my condolences on the passing of your wife. Although, i never met her, she would have been a wonderful person to have married you. Our time in Landstuhl, Germany, is a time I will never forget. Your friendship during that brief period of deployment was so much appreciated by me and made our time there, better and comfortable.
May you feel the spirit of the Lord and be comforted and know that you will be reunited again in heaven.
Jamie Short
March 22, 2025
I will always remember and be grateful for how your family has always been so kind to mine. Ranae was such a good lady. My heart goes out to you all.
Allan & Shirlee Andersen
March 22, 2025
We were so sad to hear of Renee´s sudden passing. Our hearts are with you and your family.
Carl Swain
March 21, 2025
Harald,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, Ranae. May you and your family be blessed with peace and comfort at this difficult time. Thank you for your good example to me over the years.
Carl Swain
Craig and Marilyn Smith
March 21, 2025
Harald, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the wonderful association that Marilyn and I had with you and Ranae during our four years of optometry school. Ranae was so helpful to us on so many occasions. May you feel the comfort and blessings of the Lord. Our prayers are with you.
Dear Harald and Family, Ranae was/is a strong, intelligent woman who was al
March 21, 2025
D
Richard and Janet Landerman
March 21, 2025
We remember with such fondness the time we spent with Harold and Ranae in Pathway and in your home. Ranae was so gracious, whether it was making our lead students feel comfortable when she visited in our gatherings or feeding and entertaining us in your home. She was such a force for good, and we mourn her loss with you. Love, Richard and Janet Landerman
Devin Farr
March 18, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss, Harald. Much love and prayers your way. I hope you find peace in this difficult time.
-Devin Farr
Brent Fox
March 18, 2025
Harald, Brent Fox from our 328th Gen Hosp days. So sorry to hear of the loss of your sweetheart. I lost my wife just of a year ago. The aloneness that comes with this loss is a bit of a challenge, as is the grief we experience. Your kids will be a big help to plug some of that emptiness. I'm a temple ordinance worker and that has been a real blessing. Still think of our experience in Paris with the little pick pockets. Enjoyed our friendship in the Reserves. Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this tender time.
Mark McKay
March 18, 2025
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you, Harald, and your family. May the Lord ease your burden and bring only pleasant memories of time well-spent together.
Ariel and Beverly Osmond
March 17, 2025
We are saddened to hear of the loss of your wife Renee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Harald and your family! May the spirit bless you and comfort you all at this time. We love your family! Ariel and Beverly Osmond
craig mccann
March 17, 2025
I was so surprised when learned about this. What a wonderful lady and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bishop Olafsson and the entire family on this unexpected passing.
Rolf Kahrs Hansen
March 17, 2025
Our condolences. Ranae was a person that was easy to like - warm, kind and intelligent. We miss her.
From the Hansen family in Norway.
Terry and Karen Berner
March 16, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ranae´s unexpected passing. She always went out of her way to be so nice and inclusive to us. We know Harald will surely miss her dearly. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family as you deal with her loss.
Donald K Lybbert
March 16, 2025
Harald, I am so sorry to read of your wife's passing. My wife Joan's and my heart go out to you-these are jolting experiences. We lost a child at age 6 on Dimple Dell Rd in a school bus accident in 1985. We send our prayers and hopes that your faith will continue to sustain you and your extended family in this trying time.
Don Lybbert (former basketball teammate at Jordan High School)
Roland Kay Monson
March 15, 2025
Harold, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Renee and the hole that it will leave in your life. You are great individuals that we have great respect for. We are praying for you and your family and know that you will find peace as you continue forward with your life, doing the same things you have always done in helping and bless those around you. Thank you for your friendship, Roland K Monson
Ron and Lynda Pugh
March 15, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Frank and Linda Salimeno
March 14, 2025
Our thoughts are with Harold and family at this difficult time.
Frank and Linda Salimeno
The Helland´s
March 14, 2025
Dear Bishop and friend, Harald. How sad we are to hear of your dear Renae´s passing. She was always so happy and a light wherever she went. Please know we are praying for you and your family from here in Takoradi, Ghana.
Timothy Briggs
March 14, 2025
Harald, know that you and your family are in my prayers on hearing of your sudden loss .
Sara (Sansom) Bateman
March 14, 2025
I have a fond memory of Ranae from an evening when me and my siblings were invited over for dinner. Our parents were out of town and our grandpa was tending us. Thoughtful Ranae wanted to feed us all dinner. She made a chocolate pudding for dessert and one of the pudding cups had an almond hidden in it. We were informed that whoever found the almond in a bite of pudding won a prize. This fun night has remained a core memory for me. I will always remember Ranae´s always cheerful demeanor at church, on a trip to Lake Powell, in the neighborhood, or anytime I saw her. Her light will be missed.
Tara (Tippetts) Lindgren
March 13, 2025
My heart is broken for the Olafsson family. I just can't imagine their home without Ranae's presence. She was either in the kitchen, hanging laundry from the ceiling in the basement, at her sewing machine, or hollering at Erik over some mischief he'd caused. She had a tough shell, a sharp, witty tongue, and a heart of gold. So many wonderful memories. Thank you for being such a big part of my childhood. Love you all. Families are forever.
Gary Magnesen
March 13, 2025
Ranae was a lovely woman committed to her family and God. She saw life as an adventure which she embraced wholeheartedly. She will be missed but her legacy will live on with her children. Harald, may God give you peace. You know you will see her again.
Gary
Doris Greenwood
March 13, 2025
We love you and know that your mission on earth ended too soon. You will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Craig and Connie Pearson
March 13, 2025
We have so many fond memories of Ranae, Harald, Liv, Kari, and lots of Erik! We love you all so much and are shocked and saddened by this news. You are in our thoughts and prayers! We couldn't have asked for better neighbors and friends!!!
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Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy1950 East Dimple Dell Road 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092
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