Cleon Olson

CLEON OLSON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Cleon Yeates Olson, 84, of Idaho Falls, died December 31, 2008, at Idaho Falls Health & Rehab Center of cancer. He was born January 7, 1924, in Ucon, Idaho, to Niels Orson Olson and Nina Yeates Olson. He grew up and attended schools in Ucon, then received his B.S. degree from Ricks College. He graduated with a Master's Degree from Brigham Young University. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II. Following his Army service he served a full-time LDS Mission to Sweden. He married Helen Mary Swensen August 8, 1951, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They made their home in Lincoln, where he worked as a teacher and administrator in District 91, concluding his career as Assistant Principal at O. E. Bell and Eagle Rock Junior High Schools. Helen passed away November 24, 2000. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as ward Clerk, ward High Priest Group Leader, counselor in the Stake Mission Presidency, Bishop, Counselor in the Stake Presidency, and as Stake President of the Idaho Falls Lincoln Stake. He also served as Ward Scout Committee Chairman and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Cleon enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, and camping. Survivors include: Son: Harold C. (Kim) Olson, Post Falls, ID Sister: Sharon (Kim) Johnson, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Betty (Delos) Stucki, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Joy Holman, Rexburg, ID Sister: Lois Koelliker, Salt Lake City, UT 3 Grandsons, Travar, Bryce, and Joshua Olson, & 12 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen, a brother, and four sisters, Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS Lincoln 1st Ward, 3700 East Lincoln Road, with Bishop Chris Brown officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Don Potter dpotter@leisurecare.com Harold & Family, My sincere condolences to you and your family. I did not know Cleon very long however, we became friends in that short time and I really enjoyed talking to him whenever I could. I did everything in my power to make sure he was well cared for and I do believe that he was happy with us. Cleon will be missed by us all and by me especially. He was a great man and I know that he is much happier where he is now. May God be with you all during this difficult time. Don W. Potter, General Manager at Lincoln Court Jerry and Morita Stucki We extend our sympathies to you. May the Lords choicest blessings be with all your families. Love, Jerry and Morita Stucki Joel J. LaPray Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Cleon. He was my right hand man and trusted assistant principal at O.E. Bell and Eagle Rock Junior High Schools. He was a great help to me when I moved here in 1975. He helped me make a smooth transition from being a college professor to become a junior high principal. He became my very good friend. He had a very positive effect on thousands of students over his career as an educator. He will be missed. Sincerely, Dr. Joel J. LaPray Alan and Natalie Jenkins How much we admire Cleon. We lived in Lincoln when Helen was blind and ill. Cleon was so kind and tender to her. We think of Cleon as a gentle giant. President Olson is a man of honor. We are sure he is enjoying his well deserved reunion in heaven with all of his friends and family. May the Lord bless and comfort all of you. Love, Alan and Natalie Jenkins and Family Donalue Hart I am so sorry to hear of Brother Olsen's passing. I enjoyed visiting with him in the temple. His soft tender voice will always remain in my memory. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Donalue Hart Dane & Sherry Watkins thewatkinsco@cs.com Dear Family, I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your Father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Dane Watkins