Gene Vernon Olsen

After a long life, Gene Vernon Olsen, 83, of Hyrum, Utah, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather left this earth on January 21, 2009, with his family at his side.
He was born February 22, 1925 in Hyrum, Utah to Fred Hilary Olsen and Ruby Cecelia Wilson Olsen. He was born third in a family of 10 children. Vern married Ruby Loretta Olsen from College Ward, Utah on January 15, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Mom and Dad made their home in Hyrum while Dad worked for Fred Miller at the mill in Hyrum, then Central Mill in Logan, Utah. He was foreman at Valley Rendering for many years while building and operating a dairy and dry farm in Hyrum. Eventually Dad was able to concentrate fully on running his dairy and dry farm. He always loved farming and he together with his wife Ruby successfully made that their lifes’ vocation.
As a child Dad contracted polio but overcame all obstacles this presented. Dad had the ability to build or repair anything. The family home and farm were, many times, recipients of this ability.
His children learned from his example of a good work ethic and the fulfillment that a dedicated and loving relationship can bring. Our mother Ruby was the love of his life and constant, devoted companion. Even together in his last days he wanted Mom close to him to hold her hand. They were as a team yoked together.
Dad had a tender heart and his sense of humor and fun ways were enjoyed by family and friends alike. He has given us many memories to treasure.
Vern is survived by his loving wife Ruby Loretta Olsen, four daughters and three sons; Carolyn Adams, Hyrum; Cathy Anderson (Dale) Fowkes, Millville; Jerri Lynn (Golden) Jensen, Hyrum; Mitchell (Mary Kaye) Olsen, Hyrum; Tamara Sutherland, Salt Lake City; Bart Olsen, Hyrum; Chet (Jurene) Olsen, Hyrum. Dad’s posterity numbers 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Vern is also survived by siblings, Eileen Schultz, Spokane, Washington; Iris Andrews, Logan; Marian McFarland (Ray) Gerard, Providence; Marva Richardson, Cache Junction; Gaylon Olsen, Wildomar, California; Sondra (Boyd) Alvis, Pleasant View, Utah; Emil Paul Olsen, Logan.
Vern was preceded in death by two brothers Wayne Wilson Olsen and Merle Olsen; two sisters; Afton Green and Violet Olsen; one son-in-law, Don Jay Anderson; and five brothers-in-law; Jack McFarland, Gerald Richardson, Harold Schultz, Carl W. Green and Joe Andrews.
We are grateful for the many kind hands at Cache Valley Assisted Living, Sunshine Terrace
and Alpine Hospice. Thanks also to Dr. Jeffrey Strong.
Funeral services will be held at 12 pm, Monday, January 26, 2009 in the Hyrum North Stake Center, 245 Apple Drive, Hyrum, Utah. A viewing will be held from 6 – 8 pm on Sunday at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center, Logan, and from 10:30 to 11:30 am Monday at the Stake Center prior to services. Interment will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .