Evening Viewing
Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah, 84092Friday Oct 24, 2025: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Graveside
Ephraim City Cemetery 620 N Main St, Ephraim, UT 84627Saturday Oct 25, 2025: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1942 ~ 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday Oct 25, 2025: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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.
We've known Kendall for many years and we were very fond of him. Going to school with him, living by him as adults, and working with him in the Church, He will be very missed and our condolences go out to his children and grandchildren. He was loved by many!
You were very dear to me from the time that I first met you. Such a kind and loving man and Uncle!
Rest easy now❤️
Jenn, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a sweet man. Hold your memories tight! Love you!
Dear Olsen Family--So sorry to learn of Kendall's passing. Kendall served as my Executive Secretary when I was called to serve as bishop of the Granger 13th Ward. He served faithfully and a man whom I came to know and love as a dear friend. I extend my sincere sympathies to each member of his family.
I'm so sorry about the loss of my sweet uncle and your dad and grandpa. I have many fun memories of Kendall of when I was a little girl. I spent many summers down in Ephraim with the family and was Kendall always so sweet to me, well he was sweet to everyone, and he still is and was in his later years Last time I saw Kendall was at his home after we attended the open house at the temple in Tooele. It was so good to see him. He was in pretty good spirits. We had a really good visit. The last time I talked to him was when he was in the rehabilitation home after he took a fall. He was very discouraged. I loved Kendall so much. I'm sure you guys will miss him so much. I know I will. I know I will see him again because of the plan of salvation. I'm sure he's up there visiting with grandma and all of his brothers and sisters. I knew all of them except Devere and his other brother slipped my mind. Both of them were killed within a short time of each other when they were in their in their teens. It was very sad time for their family., especially sweet grandma who was raising her sons and daughters by herself. I can't wait to see Kendall and my dad and all of the family when it's my time to leave this earth. I'm so grateful for this gospel and for all the blessings living the gospel bring to us. I love my Heavenly Father. . I'm grateful for my family here on this earth. (although there was a few people that tried to change his name to Ken, he will always be known as Kendall to me.) I will always love you Kendall and have very fond memories of him and the times I spent with you.)
We have known the Olsens for many years. Our kids knew each other and had fun together at camps and Ward activities. They were great neighbors. We enjoyed many dinners and social activities together. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors than the Olsens. To Ryan and Jenny and their families we express our deepest sympathy and love through this difficult time of losing your Dad. Much love to all of you. 🩷🦋 Eddie and Jan
We lived next to the Olsen family for 20+ years and Ken was the best neighbor offering yard and house advice to first time house owners. What a handyman he was! He took pride in his yard and always had the best Christmas lights on the block. So blessed to have known him.
We love Ken and you all so much. I have so many wonderful memories with Ken and your family - you’re all very special to us and always will be. We are so sorry for your loss. Love, Bridget, Sam & Anna
I was very touch for the kindness of Ken, my boss in West Valley City Treasury Department. I love him very much and I will always remember his kind words, the gentleman he was. Like him they don't come that often. So sorry that we did not know of his passing until today. My condolences to Jenny and Ryan and the rest of the family. I will always remember him.