Robert E Olsson

Robert Edward Olsson (Bob), 78, of Payson, Arizona, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Hospice Compassus in Payson.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 19,1946, Bob graduated from Central High School. He also attended college at Arizona State University where he studied music until he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War in 1968. Bob served two tours, earning several medals including a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

During the past fifty-some years, Bob worked as a land surveyor for several Engineering and Architectural firms, in AZ, NM, and FL, as well as Quintana Minerals' copper mine in NM, and the Town of Payson. He was a member of the Payson Community Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder, and enjoyed singing in the choir, the Ensemble, and performing solos and in duets and trios for the various church services and events. He also served as Chairman of the Board for the Community Child Learning Center. He was a member of the Payson Elks Lodge, serving as Leading Knight, 1998-1999, and Exalted Ruler, 1999-2000. And in his spare time, he enjoyed reading, fishing, bowling, golf, and playing board games (especially Trivial Pursuit) with family and friends. More recently, he became involved in the veterans group in Payson, participating in various meetings and events, and serving with the Payson Honor Guard.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edward S. and M. June (Beauchamp) Olsson and his sister Pati A. (Olsson) Dunn. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jo, his daughter, Kirstin Olsson-Evens (Keon), his son, Nils Olsson (Stacy), his granddaughters, Kiley Lezotte-Wilson (Tommy) and Kandy Lezotte, and his brothers, James Olsson (Michal) and William Olsson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and grandnephews and grandnieces.

A Celebration of Bob's Life, with Military Funeral Honors presented by the Payson Honor Guard, will be held at Messinger Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Rd. in Payson, Arizona, on Saturday November 1, 2025 at 10am. If you would like to pay your respects or share a story or memory about Bob, please come join us. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to Hospice Compassus of Payson, or the Payson Honor Guard.