IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Blaine Fredrick

Blaine Fredrick Olsen Profile Photo

Olsen

Mar 28, 1937 — May 25, 2020

Obituary

Blaine Fredrick (dad) Olsen "The Rocket Man", 1937 - 2020

Fred Olsen passed away peacefully at home at the age of 83, with his family by his side, on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020.

Dad was born during the spring of 1937 in Tropic, Utah to Garn Jay and Iris Rose Olsen. He was the oldest of five children.

Dad graduated from Richfield High and then attended Dixie College for two years. While at Dixie, he joined the National Guard. He was always proud to serve his country. Following Dixie, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Western Canada. He spent most of his mission in Victoria on Vancouver Island. He loved the people and the beauty of Canada. When he returned from his mission, he completed his schooling at Brigham Young University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Science. It was at BYU that he met his sweetheart, Furlann Smith. They were sealed in the Manti Temple on November 17, 1962 and were married for 58 years.

He was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years, and loved it. He was "THAT" teacher. The one that you see at the market and run up to and hug; the one that was there for you when maybe no one else was. Somebody who always saw the light flickering in a young mind before it had yet to be ignited with wonder. He even occasionally taught the children of former students. He often had previous students come see him, and he always loved finding out what they were doing.

Known by many as the rocket man, Dad provided model rockets and launch instruction to thousands of children. He had great joy helping kids and adults alike, and assisted in launching over 100,000 rockets over the past few decades.

Dad was known by all as a kind and loving soul, with a twinkle in his eye, and for his great love of music. He enjoyed playing the piano. Before electronic pianos, you could hear him playing as you walked by the house, and there were many nights that he put his family to sleep playing. When he bought his first digital piano, he was able to use headphones, and then all we heard was the clicking of the keys. He loved classical music, with Rachmaninoff being his all-time favorite.

Dad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life and served in many callings and capacities. One of his favorite callings was working in Scouting with the special needs mutual. Even after he was released, he would still see his scouts around town, and he always had a hug for them.

He is survived by his "Eternal, Beloved Companion" Furlann and their 9 children: Michelle, Blaine (Lisa), Rick (Calli), Debbie, (Will), Paul (Tami) , Marc (Melanie), Scott (Catherine), Jeff

(Anna Lisa), and Julianne (Andrew); 39 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, Garna Johnson and Diana Tucker (Reed); brother, Dan Olsen (Suzanne); and countless others who got to experience his amazing energy, and his gifts that he shared with the world. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sally Delnort.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, May 29, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main St, Lehi, UT 84003. Due to current circumstances, we understand if you are unable to attend, and know you will be there in spirit. There will be a live streaming of the funeral on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:00 am. To access clink this link https://www.facebook.com/126663997388557/videos/2668292970122540/

We wish to express our deepest thanks to Candy, David, and Ashlynn from Yarrow Hospice. They were there for us in our darkest moment. Also, a huge thank you to the Highland 1st Ward, friends, neighbors, and family members who have offered great comfort and support at this time.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

May
29

Friday

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Guestbook

Visits: 1

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors