Sept. 11, 2007

LOGAN, Utah -

By Shawn Harrison, Sports Editor
Logan Herald Journal

One of Cache Valley's most recognized matriarchs has passed away.

At the age of 94, Merle Olsen died Monday at Logan Regional Hospital. Many of her family were by her side.

While she was well known as the mother of Merlin and Phil Olsen -- two football All-Americans at Utah State University -- many others in the community remember her as a teacher, friend and caregiver. Up until just six months ago she continued to live in her house just across from Merlin Olsen Park.

"That house was a landmark," said Phil Olsen, who was contacted Monday night at his home in Bozeman, Mont. "... She took care of so many athletes and others over the years. It was like she was running a restaurant there."

But that is the way she liked it. Whether she was feeding college students or tutoring them, Merle stayed involved and active.

She also kept up with her nine children -- five daughters and four sons -- 42 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

"We have quite the crew. ... She kept track of all her family," Phil said. "Up until just recently she would send birthday and Christmas notes to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. That is amazing to me.

"... My mother was the most remarkable person I ever met. She had an impact on literally thousands of people."

Eight of her children went to Utah State. Phil joked about the youngest, Orrin, who couldn't get into college, so he attended BYU.

Merle was born in Fairview, Wyo. She spent some years in Star Valley before moving with her parents to Logan. After graduating from Logan High School and then Utah State in 1936 with a teaching degree, Merle got her first job teaching in Garden City. She later taught in the Logan school district, then quit to raise her children.

"I always felt she was a school teacher at heart," Phil said.

She married Lynn Jay Olsen in the Logan LDS temple in 1938. Lynn passed away in 1981. Before his death, they served two missions.

Daughters Gwen and Colleen lived nearby in the island area and had helped keep an eye on their mother as she got older.

Before she got up there in years, Merle was the one taking care of anyone in need. Aggie athletes were always welcome and many spent the holidays there.

"Our house was always open," Phil said. ".. She cared so much about people."

When the park across from her house turned into an ice-skating rink in the winter, she would lay down plywood so her children could walk right in the house with their friends to eat or warm up, before returning to skating. Phil said there was always a pot of stew, chili or soup on the stove.

She even adopted a 10th child five years ago. Former USU head coach Chuck Mills, who coached Phil, always talked about wanting to be part of a bigger family. Merle decided it was time he was and adopted him.

Last summer there was a reunion in Las Vegas of all the Aggie teams Mills coached. Team captains received a medallion. Merle was presented an honorary team captain medallion.

"That meant a lot to her," Phil said, choking up.

Merle was also present at many of the Utah State Athletics Hall of Fame inductions. Both Merlin and Phil were inducted. Mills will be next year.

While Aggie athletes were special to her, she also helped with summer school programs for youth in Logan. Merle also took part in graduations at Logan High, handing out diplomas.

"She gave her whole life serving others," Phil said.

Funeral services will be held Friday at noon at the Logan 11th Ward chapel (195 S. 100 East Logan). A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Allen-Hall Mortuary and Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers to donate to the Lynn J. and Merle B. Olsen Scholarship Fund at Utah State University.