Kenneth Olsen

Kenneth William Olsen of Lehi, UT passed away May 7, 2026 at IMC from an acute infection. He was 92 years old.

Ken was born March 7, 1934 in Salt Lake City to Rudolph Olsen of Norway and Isabella Hamilton of Scotland, both of whom immigrated to the United States to follow their faith and seek the opportunities provided by a welcoming nation. Ken was proud of his heritage and his home city.

After graduating from Granite High School, Ken served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned to the New England States Mission, where he served from 1954 to 1956. Following his mission,Ken enrolled in the University of Utah, becoming the first member of his family to seek a college education. He did not stop there. After graduation, Ken enrolled in Michigan State University where he would earn a Master of Science in Education, then a doctorate in 1966. His curiosity, love of learning, and dedication to education would define the rest of his adult life.

Ken pursued a career in educational administration and established himself as a sought-after superintendent of schools in public districts across the United States. His tenure spanned several decades and was marked by his commitment to his students and the navigation of complex issues facing each of the systems he led. Ken also found time to serve his country as a member of the U.S Army National Guard.

During the nearly four decades he spent away from Utah, Ken was married and had two sons. He later returned to Salt Lake where he married RaNae Morgan and the two soon dedicated themselves to work as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served in a variety of assignments for 17 years. They enjoyed being with family, traveling, and for 20 years, gathering monthly for book club discussing books and enjoying the company of dear friends.

With the benefit of more time as a retiree Ken and his cadre of Salt Lake City friends, new and old, were free to solve the world’s problems while seated in a reserved room at the table of a local McDonald’s on a weekly basis.

Ken is survived by his wife RaNae, his two sons, five grandchildren, two bonus daughters, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. The happiest moments of his life were when any of them entered a room, or when he would hear one of their voices on the phone. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.

Late in his life, Ken suffered from macular degeneration and would have been thrilled to know he was able to become an organ donor with his donation aiding research in his area. The family requests that a donation to the Utah Lions Eye Bank be considered lieu of flowers.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and again on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 to 10:40 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (3155 Garden Dr, Lehi, Utah). The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery (1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah).

To view Kenneth's service online via Zoom, please click the blue tab above that says "Watch Services".