Merlin Nielson Olson

On a bright, beautiful Monday morning, Jan. 14, 2008, our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away after a short illness in his home surrounded by his family.
Dad was born on April 1, 1921, weighing in at 11 pounds. He is the youngest of 11 children born to Olof and Hulda Olson of Nibley, Utah.
With the exception of his Army years, Dad has lived in Cache Valley most of his life. While attending South Cache High School, he met Audrey Seamons from Hyde Park on a double date. He liked his double's date and asked her out. To court her, he rode his horse and bike, but most of the time his dad let him drive his 1928 Buick from Nibley to Hyde Park to see her.
They were married in the Logan LDS temple on his parents' 40th anniversary on Nov. 6, 1941. Merlin enlisted in the Army Air Corps at Fort Douglas shortly after they were married. He was stationed in Hobbs, N.M., where Audrey joined him later. They built their own home in Logan, where he resided for 60 years. It's been almost 19 years since his wonderful companion Audrey passed away.
Their children are Merlin Delwyn (Peggy) Olson, Sandy (Jon) Roundy, Cyndi (Don) Fulton, Janette (Dave) Lundstrom, Don (Rebecca) Olson, Greg Olson, Debra (Glade) Tolman. They have 25 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Audrey, son Delwyn and son-in-law Gordon Karren. Also deceased are his parents and siblings Vanetta, Malinda, Elnora, a stillborn baby, Arvilla, Rolan, Fern, Arvid and Victor. Viona is the only surviving sibling.
His earliest job was delivering newspapers by horse throughout the south end of the valley. Other career opportunities included mechanic, self-employed upholsterer, long-haul truck driver and heavy equipment operator for LeGrand Johnson Construction and the Forest Service, from where he retired at the age of 71.
Merlin has spent countless hours fishing in the rivers of Blacksmith Fork and Logan Canyons. The common scene at any Olson campout was Merlin at the grill with either hamburgers or pancakes. Other interests were working in his beautiful rose and vegetable gardens, which he shared unselfishly. He also enjoyed restoring his 1957 Lincoln and his dad's 1937 DeSoto.
Over the years, we've all been asked if Dad is the Merlin Olsen. Yes Dad, to us … you certainly are!
Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 18, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center in Logan, Utah. Friends may call from 6:30 to 8 p.m on Thursday at the mortuary, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to services on Friday. Interment will be in the Millville Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .