Rex S. Olsen

"Papa"

Rex Spens Olsen was released from this life surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 18, 2007, from a brain injury sustained in a fall and not from a sore back.Rex was born November 26, 1929 in Moroni, Utah, to William K. and Elizabeth Spens Olsen. He was a graduate of South High School, Salt Lake City, Utah. He was also a graduate of the Salt Lake Technical College.He married Nancy Lorene Hollands, for time and eternity on July 30, 1953 in the Logan LDS Temple. They recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.

Although a quiet man, Rex was loyal to his family, his religion and his country. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was called to active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington, during the Berlin Crisis and retired from the Army Reserve as a 1st Sgt at Fort Douglas. His service and dedication inspired some family members to serve in the U.S. Army. One served during Desert Storm and another currently serves in Iraq.

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A High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rex served the young men of the East Millcreek Sixth Ward as a Boy Scoutmaster and committee member. He also served scouting in the East Millcreek Stake as the Eagle Scout Advisor. He was directly or indirectly responsible for more than 300 boys obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He was honored as a Silver Beaver recipient in 1979. He was also a graduate of Woodbadge and served as an advisor with the Order of the Arrow. As the patriarch of a large family, Rex supported his children and grandchildren in Scouting, talent recitals, sports and education. He traveled the state as often as possible to watch his family perform and be honored. He never tired of helping his family accomplish their goals. He was proud of each and every child and grandchild, no matter the accomplishment. Rex retired from the US Postal Service. He was involved in the US Postal Workers Union, including serving as President for the state of Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clair K Olsen; and grandson, Alex Hansen. He is survived by his wife, eight children, James D (Lori) SLC; Stephen Spens (Tara Dawn), Blanding, UT; Rexene Boyd (David), SLC; Rubylynn Vernon, (Kelly), Sandy, UT; Marian Hansen, (Thayn), Leeds, UT; Thomas William, (Nancy) Murray, UT; Louise Atkinson, (Brian)West Jordan, UT; Jayne Hogan, (Robert), So. Jordan; and 18 grandsons and 18 granddaughters; and nine great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to publically thank the staff at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Memorial Hospital for taking such good care of him for the past 15-plus years. You have allowed us to add many memories to our lives. Appreciation also goes to the staff at the NCC Ward at the University of Utah Hospital who treated him with tender care in his final struggle.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 11 A.M at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3103 E. Craig Dr (3600 S.), Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held at the stake center on Wed. evening between 6-8 p.m., and Thursday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

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