Stephen Arthur Olsen

Stephen was born in Webster, South Dakota to Sigvold Arthur Olsen and Ruth Elizabeth (Olson) Olsen. His father was of Norwegian heritage, and his mother was of Swedish heritage. Ruth was the second wife of Sigvold “Art” Olsen, and Stephen was their only surviving child. Sigvold and his first wife, Nora (Leines) Olsen had two children: Erling J. Olsen, and Norma (Olsen) Zabel. They were teenagers when Stephen was born, and very devoted to him. When he was 3 years old, Steve broke his leg, which caused a blood clot and damage to his heart. He had open-heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN when he was in high school. In 1952 Steve graduated from high school in Watertown, South Dakota. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD for one year. The next year he attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. While in the college choir, Steve met a young lady soprano from Estelline, South Dakota: Barbara Nadine Ohnstad. In January 1955 they were married and moved to Seattle, Washington. They had three daughters: Suzanne Marie, Stephanie Ruth, and Gayle Nadine. Steve began a career with the Washington State Department of Transportation as a surveyor. He studied Civil Engineering at Shoreline Community College and earned an associate degree. He worked there for 42 years. Steve was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church, including Gloria Dei Lutheran in Lynnwood since the first year it was established. He sang in the choir (his deep bass voice was renowned!), served on the council, taught Confirmation Sunday School, and served in many capacities to help people in the community. After retirement, he was a member of The King’s Players theater group of Shoreline. Steve was a serious sports enthusiast. He was on at least three bowling teams. He supported the Mariners, the Seahawks, the Sonics, local high school teams, and the Special Olympics teams of North Seattle: The Eagles. Steve was a fitness fanatic—he exercised every day, and went jogging at least 5 miles per day, 4 to 6 days a week for many years. In 2009, Steve became seriously ill with necrotizing fasciitis and was in Harborview Hospital for many weeks. He underwent 18 surgeries within a few weeks and had many surgeries after that for about six years. The medical team at Harborview said that he survived because his body was in such good condition. Although he was in a coma, he did not suffer kidney failure, stroke or other medical complications. After eight weeks, he was able to return home. In 2010, Steve was the primary caregiver for his nephew, John Ohnstad, who had Leukemia. Steve began jogging and exercising again. At the age of 85, he reduced jogging to only three miles just three times per week. Steve was always very interested in history. He was a member of the Civil War Round Table. He also enjoyed hunting gophers in South Dakota, playing cards (especially PINOCHLE), eating a good variety of food, and playing board games. The last few years, Steve was the caregiver for his wife at their home in Lynnwood, WA.

Stephen Olsen is pre-deceased by his parents, his infant sister Elizabeth, his daughter Suzanne Johnson, his brother Erling, his sister Norma, his nephews Charles Olsen, Douglas Zabel, and Daniel Ohnstad. Stephen is survived by his wife of more than 68 years, Barbara. Also, by his daughters Stephanie Running (Eric), and Gayle Quinn (Dale); his son-in-law Ronald Johnson (Ruth), his grandchildren Jina Quinn Smith (Nick), Stephen Johnson (Stephanie), Ingrid Running, Rachel Quinn Wall (Errol), Bethany Johnson, Aubrey Quinn Stone (Markus), Niels Paul Running, Curt Cheever (Emily), Kyle Cheever, Casey Cheever (Alyssa). He is also survived by his great grandchildren Eleanor Cheever, Elizabeth Cheever, Evan Johnson, Quinn Stone, Nathan Johnson, Maddox Stone, and Eloise Cheever. Also, by his nieces Karen (Olsen) Diener, and Holly (Zabel) Boyd, and nephew Erling “Jay” Olsen. He is survived by 16 nieces and nephews on the Ohnstad side of the family, brother-in-law Robert Ohnstad (Nancy), and sisters-in-law Phyllis Ohnstad, Jan Ohnstad, Sandra Ohnstad, and Elaine Ohnstad Eide.

There will be a Memorial Service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 3215 Larch Way, Lynnwood, WA 98036 on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 2 p.m.