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FUNERAL HOME

Walton's Funerals & Cremations - Sierra Chapel

875 West 2nd Street

Reno, Nevada

Norman Olsen Obituary

Norman Olsen

Oct. 22, 1924

Dec. 2, 2013

On December second, Norman Olsen died peacefully in his sleep at his home with loved ones nearby. Norm was a Reno man through and through, attending Mount Rose Elementary, Billinghurst Jr. High, Reno High, and the University of Nevada, where he was an ATO.

Norman served three years in the Marine Corps during World War II. After returning from the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Menu. Their marriage lasted sixty-five years and produced four children, ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Norm enjoyed his community. He was an avid skier most of his life, and a key figure in the Reno Junior Ski Program for more than 20 years. He directed the program for 14 years and introduced thousands of youngsters to skiing. He was also a director of the Reno Little League and foreman of the Washoe County Grand Jury for 2 ½ years.

His devotion to the First Baptist Church of Reno was shown in many ways. He served on the Board of Deacons, taught Sunday School, and cooked many Thanksgiving dinners for 200.

Norm was President of the Rotary Club of Reno in 1965-66, and served as District Governor in 1981-82. He developed the District Rotary Academy to train future leaders.

During his career as a businessman, he was active in the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce. He owned several businesses: the Reno Builder's Exchange, Sierra Meat Company, and the Potlatch gift shop in Incline Village.

He was cherished by his family. For his 80th birthday, they presented him with a poster titled, "Eighty Wonderful Things About Norman," covered with quotes from family and friends singing his praises. Norm is survived by his wife Margie, son Mark (Debbi), daughter Gay (Richard) Brown, son Stephen (Melissa), and son Daniel (Eric Mueller), grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Services will be held at the First Baptist (The Bridge) Church on Foster Drive on Wednesday, December 11, at 1:00 with a reception following at the Grove on Foothill Road.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to send a memorial to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left in the Book of Memories at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Dec. 5 to Dec. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Olsen

10 Entries

michael perry

December 15, 2013

Mr. Olsen, as we respectively called Norm as 8 year olds just starting with the4 Junior Ski Program...and, what a start Norm gave us...kept us busy, instilled values and positive attitudes in us...and, taught us how to ski...well! As Seniors in high school, he even rewarded several of us with positions as instructors. We never forgot, Norm. Much gratitude forever...Ski Free with your Maker for ever.

Jean Hatfield

December 10, 2013

I think as in Matthew 25:21 Normal will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." What a smile you shared with us. Condolences to the Olsens and Browns.

dave ramsey

December 10, 2013

Norm was a great man and an great father, friend and person, He will be sorely missed. I nkow he wil see dad and they will catch up on things in heaven, GOD bless Dave RAMSEY

December 8, 2013

Dear Margie and Family,

Jim and I were so saddened to hear of Norm's passing. We loved him dearly. We have such fond memories of the years we spent at the Potlatch Shop with Norm, you Margie, Gay, and Daniel, and getting to know other members of your lovely family. Our deepest sympathy to you all. God bless you always. Gayle and Jim Nadeau

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Joanne Oakes

December 7, 2013

It is with great sadness that I read of Norm's passing tonight. He and Marjorie were the most honest people that we ever knew......it is ironic that Norm and my husband both died in 2013.....they were the "giants" in Reno's history. Each carving his own way. My heart aches for Marjorie as I know how close she and Norm were all these years.......my deepest sympathy to her and her family. Perhaps Norm and Rowland will start another RBE in heaven!

Keith Jourdin

December 7, 2013

My sincere sympathy for your loss.

Mark Cerfoglio

December 5, 2013

Very sorry to hear of Norms passing. He was a very kind and gentle man. Early on in my working career he was a great mentor.

stephanie Slater

December 5, 2013

Dear Olsen Family,
Know that your loss is my loss. There are not enough words to express Norm's kindness, generosity and God loving ways.
It was a blessing and honor to have worked with and be loved by him.
His dedication to the development and success of the of First Baptist Children's Center so that children had a place to be educated, be safe and more importantly learn to love the Lord is to be commended. The world is a lesser place without Norm. But heaven is so much richer with his presence.
My prayers and love are with all.
Miss Stephanie

December 5, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy to all that loved Norm. May the family be comforted by the Lord's Words at Psalms 29:11.

Sammie Hunt

December 5, 2013

A truly remarkable man who will be missed dearly by family and friends. I am please to have called Norm my friend for 10 years when I worked at First Baptist (The Bridge) Church. He always had a smile and took time to stop in and say Hi whenever he was in the building.

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