Robert Earl Olsen, age 81, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on September 16, 1935, in Manti, Utah, to Louis Blaine and Katherine (Nelson) Olsen. Shortly thereafter they moved to Rains, Utah, one of the coal camps in Spring Canyon. Several years later they moved to Helper, Utah.
After graduating from high school, he joined the US Marine Corp and served in Korea and Japan. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Helper and met Diane Caldwell at a church function; a friendship soon developed. One month later, he proposed, and they were sealed in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple on July 13, 1957.
After a short time in the Salt Lake Valley, Robert and Diane moved back to Helper. They eventually became the owners and operators of the Texaco Service Station on Main Street. During this time, he employed many youth, giving them the opportunity to earn a wage and develop a strong work ethic. In the mid 70’s they decided to sell the station and opened Bob’s Auto Repair “The Shop” behind their home, where his loyal customers followed, resulting in even greater success. Never really retiring, he commented that the decline in business in recent years was due in part to him outliving the majority of his customers.
At an early age, Robert felt a civic duty as a citizen, first having served as a member of the Helper City Council and later as Mayor. He would routinely pause what he was doing in his shop to consult with city employees or listen to concerns of the citizens. He truly had an open door policy.
Robert equally answered the call to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as Bishop, High Counselor, and was instrumental in establishing the Helper, Utah Stake as its first Stake President. While these were important positions, his favorite callings were working with the youth and in the scouting program. He was an integral part in the lives of those he served.
Robert loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them for short fishing trips up Price Canyon, longer ones to Pete’s Hole, or even just having them around the house and shop. He looked forward to having all of his little helpers in the shop, or in building large bonfires for later in the evening to roast hotdogs and marshmallows.
Robert is preceded in death by his sweetheart, Diane; parents, Louis Blaine and Katherine Olsen; and his brother, Bill.
He is survived by his sister, Susan Olsen, Taylorsville, UT; sister-in-law, Tereece Olsen, Blackfoot, ID; Children, Gary (Christy) Olsen, West Jordan, Richard Olsen, Bountiful, Diana (Adam) Thompson, Castle Dale; 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, as well as many special pets.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Helper LDS Stake Center (150 Ridgeway Street, Helper, Utah). Family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home and Tuesday morning beginning at 10:00 am at the church. Interment will be at the Mountain View Cemetery in Helper. Arrangements are entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are welcome to share memories of Bob online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
The Family would like to express sincere gratitude to Mike and Lana Ponzini, Dr. Sterling Potter, Dr. Brandon Allen, Willow (his favorite home health nurse from CNS), the loving staff at The Heirloom Inn of Price and the Beehive Home of Herriman.