Kendall Dale Olsen

Kendall Dale Olsen, 82, peacefully returned to the arms of his Savior, his Heavenly Father, and his eternal family on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. He was surrounded in love at that tender time by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons.

Kendall was born on December 17, 1942, to Florence Lorania Paulsen and Isaac Sherman Olsen in Ephraim, Utah. Kendall was the second youngest of ten children. Growing up in the beautiful, quiet town of Ephraim, he spent his childhood playing on his grandparents’ farm, chasing chickens with his sister Linda, and helping his Momma—as he affectionately called her—with chores around the house. He was especially protective of his Momma, and helping her was a responsibility he took great pride in. Many of Kendall’s nieces and nephews were close to his age, and he cherished growing up alongside them in school. He loved sharing stories about the adventures he had with his older brothers, who always looked after and protected him. As Kendall got older, he remained fiercely loyal to those brothers—a relationship that extended into adulthood.

He married his eternal companion Gloria Jo Friermood on January 12, 1974, and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 12, 1979. Kendall and Gloria welcomed two children, Kendall Ryan and Jennifer Jo. If you asked Kendall what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he would undoubtedly say his family. He was proud of the life he had created and loved his family deeply.

Kendall was a faithful husband, father, Papa, and great-grandpa. He faced many hardships and challenges throughout his life, but never allowed them to shake his faith or testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter what he was going through, his greatest treasure was always spending time with his family. He loved supporting them in their hobbies and activities, picking out the perfect birthday cards and signing “Love, Papa,” celebrating birthdays and milestones, and going on spontaneous dinner outings just to be together.

He cherished Sunday dinners with family, drives up the canyon to look for turkeys or deer, and sitting by the temple watching the progress of the new construction. He enjoyed going for drives with a Diet Coke and a bag of chips on the passenger seat. He would often show up at his kids’ houses with a decoration he thought would look perfect in their home. On Halloween, he would ride a skateboard around the neighborhood while Ryan and Jenny trick-or-treated. Once he had grandkids, he would dress up in a gorilla suit and roam the neighborhood to scare everyone. He loved a good meal, especially a big piece of chocolate cake on his birthday— which he always said was “too big”—but somehow always managed to finish, with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream, of course. He spent his evenings relaxing with “The Golden Girls,” who he adored. He loved game shows and was especially fond of Steve Harvey on “Family Feud.”

Kendall was the Treasurer for West Valley City, Utah for thirty-one years. His time at the city was something he was very proud of. He was especially grateful for the friendships that he formed during those years. He kept in touch with many of his coworkers, often going to lunch with them and loving to hear updates about their families. He also enjoyed going on many adventures with his dear neighbor and friend, Mark. They could often be found exploring the newest show at the Expo Center, visiting the zoo or aquarium, or enjoying a simple lunch at the Asian buffet.

Kendall was a gentle, loving man with an incredible capacity to forgive. Even when others had wronged him, he chose to see the good in people and to respond with kindness and grace. His example of quiet strength, love, and forgiveness will continue to bless our family for generations. Papa was a peacemaker. He avoided contention and was always quick to seek forgiveness and love. He never wanted to end a conversation or visit with coarse words or feelings.

Although Papa is no longer with us here on earth and his absence leaves a deep ache in our hearts, we find comfort in imagining the joyful reunion he is having on the other side with his Momma and family. Free from the limits of his mortal body, we know he is surrounded by love and peace. And we hold close the beautiful truth that families are eternal!

Kendall is survived by his two children, Kendall Ryan (Shelli) Olsen and Jennifer Jo (Riley) Stringham; nine grandchildren, Madisyn (Zach) McKay, Courtnee (Michael) Barker, Lauren Stringham, Ashleigh (Kevin) Watts, Isabelle Stringham, Gracie Olsen, Hannah Olsen, Clayton Stringham, and Kendall Jane Olsen; and three great grandsons, Callum McKay, Colter Watts, and Grant McKay.

Kendall is preceded in death by his parents, Florence Lorania Paulsen and Isaac Sherman Olsen; his brothers, Melvin Olsen, Devere Olsen, Gerald Olsen, Douglas Olsen, and Gaylen Olsen; his sisters, Phyllis Cox, Doris Miner, Johanna Olsen, and Linda Nichols.

A viewing will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6-8 pm, at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S Sandy, Utah). His interment will be on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Ephraim City Cemetery.