Robert Evan Olsen

Robert Evan Olsen of Taylorsville, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 7, 2014, due to complications of Parkinson's Disease. His loving family was by his side. He is survived by his wife, Maurine King, of 62 years, and their children, Eva Olsen (Peggy Luther), Rob (Tammy) Olsen, Rhonda (Joe) Swatsell, Rowena (Dan) Burnum, and Lisa Olsen; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildrenwithone on the way; brothers, Wayne (Marlene) Barrow, and Don (Connie) Barrow; and sister, Lucile Barrow. Robert was born in Jerome, Idaho, on December 17, 1934, to Robert Henry Olsen and Eva Lee. His mother died when he was four-years-old. His father married Jessie Elizabeth Brown Barrow, who was a widow with six children from Earl R. Barrow. Jessie was a loving step-mother and taught all of her children the value of work and kindness, along with her many other virtues. Dad married our sweet mother, Maurine, on April 16, 1952, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and had to quit high school his sophomore year to support his new family. Mom stayed in school until shebecame pregnant and was forced to quit. Between 1952 and 1961, they were blessed with one son and four daughters. Dad worked hard his whole life and learned many trades including farmer, dairyman, gas-truck driver, semi-truck driver, butcher, salesman, repairman, electrician, plumber, and rodeo clown. He was even a cake decorator and won first prize in his class. When he retired at age 65, he submitted mission papers to the LDS Church for a hometown mission working 2 days a week. One week later he reported to Deseret Dairy on Welfare Square and started serving. His work quickly increased to full-time and sometimes overtime. For 14 years he served as a maintenance man and also drove tanker and did deliveries. Even though his limitations became severe, he continued to serve until he was no longer able. Everyone at the dairy loves him and will miss him a lot. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2003, and it took his life in 2014. Place of Birth:Jerome, IdahoPlace of Death:Taylorsville, Utah