Steven Barlow Olschewski

Born on May 31, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Steven was the oldest son of Afton and Herbert Olschewski’s eight children. Growing up in the Glendale neighborhood, he attended and graduated from South High School. In his adolescence, Steven enjoyed spending time with his multigenerational family and developed a strong work ethic through time spent supporting his family’s business, Intermountain Stone and Marble. His early years surrounded by many hardworking craftsmen, a trade passed down from his father who emigrated from Germany, inspired him to later establish a meaningful career as an independent stonemason.

Carving his unique path, Steven had a vibrant young adult life, accumulating diverse experiences across the western United States and Mexico, forging deep friendships wherever he went. In the early 70s, he moved to Moab, Utah with his then wife, Monika Young – they had three children together: Lehi, Jonathan, and Johanna. Shortly after, he bought land in Spanish Valley that continued to be his “place in space” (as he lovingly referred to his farm) for more than 50 years. Jonathan, his brother and one of his dearest friends, eventually followed him to Moab and the two of them shared the farm. Together they grew alfalfa, fixed old tractors, and shared many laughs. Years later, Steven married Ann Marie Aubry and they welcomed a daughter, Erin. While both marriages ended, he remained close friends with Monica and Ann Marie and he was immensely proud of his four children.

Steven was a pioneer in many aspects of his life, such as through his sustainable agriculture practices and his advocacy for water and land conservation in the Moab valley. Strongly believing in the power of food for good, Steven was an incredible farmer and gardener. He would grow large quantities of food so he’d have enough to eat, to preserve, and to share with his family and friends. One of his great joys was to cut into a juicy, vibrant red tomato he had just plucked from the vine while enjoying the dappled summer sun. He was a man who treasured the simple things in life. A true steward of the land and natural resources, Steven preferred to spend as much of his life outdoors as possible and to be close with nature. He loved walking on the freshly turned red sand of his fields with bare feet and spent many warm summer nights sleeping outside under the cottonwood trees.

In addition to being a gifted craftsman and renowned farmer, Steven was also a talented musician, playing the harmonica for many years, including six years in his son Jon’s band, Stonefed. Steven was a seeker of knowledge and an independent thinker, passionate and knowledgeable about many different subjects including local and world history, agriculture, geology, global politics, natural healing, counterculture, music, and many more. He was a deeply peaceful person – a lifelong advocate for pacifism and harmonious living.

A longtime Moab local, Steven left his mark on many local landmarks including beautiful stonework and meticulous plaster signs and buildings throughout the area. He was a regular for decades at several Moab haunts, such as The Westerner and Dave’s Corner Market, often seen enjoying coffee and cigarettes with his friends for hours on the sunny benches outside. Wildly funny and a master storyteller, he had such an expressive face with hazel eyes that twinkled when he referred to his loved ones by silly, affectionate nicknames or when he cracked the perfect joke.

Steven’s legacy of sustainable agriculture, food as medicine, independence, construction, music, storytelling, and reverence for the natural world will live on through his children. May memories of him bring comfort and warmth to all who knew him.

Steven is survived by his four children: Lehi Olschewski, Jonathan Olschewski, Johanna Olschewski, and Erin (Joshua) Olschewski, siblings: Eileen Naylor, David Olschewski, Dianne (John) Timpson, Teressa Millsap, Ianthius (Debbie) Olschewski, his grandson Forrest Olschewski, and a large extended family. Steven is preceded in death by his parents Afton and Herbert Olschewski and brothers Jonathan Olschewski and Robert Olschewski.

We welcome all who loved Steven to join us for a memorial service at 10:00 am at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary in Millcreek, Utah on Tuesday, January 6th. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm the evening prior. After the service, Steven will be laid to rest at Elysian Burial Gardens. A celebration of life will be held in Moab and will be announced at a later date.