E. Kay Olsen

Ephraim Kay Olsen, 82, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Teacher, and Friend, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 3, 2012, surrounded by loving family members. Kay was born April 4, 1929, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Theodore Eugene Olsen and Nina Clapp Olsen. He grew up, attended school and graduated from high school in Iona, Idaho. Kay also had the opportunity to be taught by his father for several summers at the Dehlin Elementary School near Bone, Idaho. He enjoyed reading, doing art projects, fishing and doing leatherwork. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kay served his first mission in Southern California. Later he served three Stake Missions before serving in the Texas McAllen Mission with his wife. Next to his love for his wife and 10 wonderful children, Kay's greatest loves were missionary work, family history, and temple work. He faithfully served as a temple worker in the Idaho Falls Temple for more than 20 years. Kay met his beloved wife Zola Kay Fannin in Boise, Idaho. They had a wonderful courtship and were married for 58 years. Kay attended Boise Junior College, Ricks College and completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from BYU in 1963. Kay taught school in the Idaho Falls School District 91 for 33 years. He loved helping the students learn and loved sharing his love of creativity with them. Kay is survived by his wife, Zola, and nine of his ten children: Nina (Stuart) Haroldsen of Idaho Falls, ID; Kaylene (Jeff) Roe of Rockford, ID; Garth (Lisa) Olsen of Idaho Falls, ID; Craig (Lyn) Olsen of Shelley, ID; Velora Olsen of Pocatello, ID; ZoAnna Billman of Ucon, ID; Chris (Kelly) Olsen of Smithfield, UT; Korene (Dave) Harris of Meridian, ID; Jinny (Eric) Peterson of Meridian, ID; 41 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Kay was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Marguerite McNamara and Virginia Dahlquist, one infant brother, Theo Olsen, his daughter and her husband, Cindy (Bob) Lovell and two grandchildren, Oliver Wade Haroldsen and Amy Jo Haroldsen. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the Iona LDS Denning Building, 5169 East Denning, with Bishop Byard Cox of the Iona 2nd Ward conducting. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Iona City Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Saturday

11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, March 10, 2012 Iona LDS First Ward 5169 East Denning Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83427 Notes: A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Iona City Cemetery.