Leon Franklin Olsen

Leon Franklin Olsen, 79, of Centerville, passed away on October 23 in his vast library of church books, attended by his wife and children. He was born April 2, 1937 to John William and Ellen Blattmann Olsen in Salt Lake City. He attended South High School and graduated from the University of Utah. He married Kay Harmon, who remained his devoted friend, companion, and caregiver for 53 years, on August 23, 1963 in the Logan Temple.
After several years in the First Security Bank Trust Department, he took a position with the LDS Church where he worked 30 years in the Real Estate and Tax Departments specializing in property tax. He enjoyed every minute of his employment until health issues required an early retirement. It was very difficult for him to leave his work “family.” His passion was finding, reading, and collecting all things connected to the church and its history.
He humbly served in many church callings over the years. He served in the North Central States Mission. He blessed many lives as a caring Bishop and then as a Stake Patriarch for 20 years, selflessly giving over 1,000 blessings. He patiently endured physical struggles through most of his years, but his spirit remained strong despite these challenges, always finding life filled with more joy than sorrow.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gordon Olsen. He is survived by his wife Kay Harmon Olsen, daughter Cindy (Wayne) McConkie, son David, brother Roy (Liz) Olsen, and sister, Joan (Duff) Ellsworth; 4 grandchildren: Audrey (Noel) Merket, Hope (Joseph) Walker, Spencer McConkie, and Mitchell McConkie; as well as 3 great grandchildren: Cooper, Ellen, and Porter
Viewings will be Thursday, October 27, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and on Friday, October 28, 11:30-12:30 at the Centerville Canyon View Stake Center, 2110 North Main Street, Funeral services will follow at 1:00. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.