Ralph Blain Olsen completed his earthly mission and returned to live with his Father-in-Heaven on July 16, 1994 while at the University of Minnesota Hospital, due to complications from pneumonia.
Born August 17, 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Oldest son of Blain and Jean Oldham Olsen of Mt. Pleasant; formerly of South Jordan, Utah. Graduated from Bingham High School in 1967. Attended Utah State University. Married his high school sweetheart, Jackie McKee, on August 8, 1969. Marriage later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on October 8, 1988.Owned and operated Ralph Olsen Excavation for 19 years. He took great pride in his work and helped many people. Ralph and his family spent the last 21 months waiting for a lung transplant which he received on April 9, 1994 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis. Ralph blessed and touched the lives of many through his courageous fight for his second chance for life.
Ralph was a giant in being a good example for others to follow. He always had a positive attitude and a great love for life. He was an avid supporter of his wife, children and family.
Thanks, Ralph, for giving your family many wonderful memories. We'll cherish them forever!
Thanks to the University of Minnesota Hospital transplant team, nurses and heart lung support group who helped his dream come true for a better quality of life. Thanks to all the many people who united together to raise the needed funds for Ralph's new lung. A very special thanks to Ralph's doctor and friend, Dr. Mark Elstad.
Survived by wife; sons, Jasen (wife, Jennifer Gold) Olson; Colby, Brian; daughter, Tonya (fiance, Jason Clawson) all of South Jordan; parents, South Jordan; sisters, Kathy Roberts of Bluffdale; Alana Whitaker (Robert) of Riverton, Wyo.; Teresa Whitaker (Bill) of West Jordan; brother, Craig Olsen of Bluffdale. Preceded in death by a sister, JoEll Jean Olsen.
Funeral services will be held Friday, 12 noon in South Jordan Parkway 6th Ward, 11250 So. 2700 West, So. Jordan, Utah. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. at Broomhead Funeral Home and Friday one hour prior at the church.
Interment: South Jordan Cemetery
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