Ronald Olsen

Click Here To View Memorial Video Ronald Lavon Olsen 90, of Iona, passed away Friday, August 16, 2013 at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. Ron was born October 13, 1922 in Iona, ID, to Theodore Eugene Olsen and Nina Clapp Olsen. He grew up in Iona, also living in Boise, Wieser and Bountiful, Utah, before returning to Iona, where he resided for the last forty years. He attended local schools in Iona before going to Albion Normal School where he earned his teaching certificate. Later Ron continued his education at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah nearly earning his Master’s and Doctorate degrees. He was a school teacher in secondary education. Ron developed teaching machines and owned a tutoring business called Ebronix, with locations across the country. Ron married Opal Hughes on February 21, 1945 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Opal passed away in February 24, 1984. On November 10, 1984 he married Alice Smith Bodily in Idaho Falls. Ron was an Officer in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a B-24 navigator. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, he and Alice served together in the Texas, San Antonio mission and a family history mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also served as an officiator in the Idaho Falls Temple. Ron was awarded the Silver Beaver serving many years in the Boy Scouts of America. He wrote and published many family histories and an Iona Stake history. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed photography. Ron was always learning, experimenting and innovating. He enjoyed music, singing, playing the guitar, saw, and trombone. Above all Ron was an outstanding grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Alice Bodily Olsen, Son: Rick (Cristy) Olsen of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Daughter: Karen Anglesey of Salem, OR, Daughter: Mary (Ken) Cenell of Eagle, ID, Son: Michael (Bernie) Olsen of Iona, ID, Daughter: Ronna (Earl) Marwill of Idaho Falls, ID, Daughter: Liz (Jim) Holm of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Step-daughter: Delores (Rick) Cook of Milo, ID, Step-son: Steven (Barbara) Bodily of Rupert, ID, Step-daughter: Kathie (Randy) Bergquist of Wieser, ID, Step-son: Paul (Deena) Bodily of Boise, ID, Step-son: Robert (Renee) Bodily of Iona, ID, Step-son: Eric (Linda) Bodily of Ammon, ID, 24 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, 26 step-grandchildren and 51 step great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Opal, two sisters, Marguerite McNamara and Virginia Dahlquist, and one brother E. Kay Olsen. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday August 22, 2013, at the Iona LDS 10th Ward Building (5169 Denning Ave.) with Bishop Lance Lindley officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7-8:30 Wednesday at Wood East Side (963 S. Ammon Rd.) and from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Iona Cemetery.