Robert George Olsen (Bob Sr.) was born January 7, 1954 to Ray and Gladys Olsen in Arlington, Washington. He was their fourth son, joining older brothers John, Jim, and Ray Jr. Soon to follow was the youngest brother of the bunch, Mike.
In 1967 the family moved from their cattle ranch in Washington to pursue logging opportunities in Alaska, which landed them in Petersburg. It was a family business and every one of the Olsens had a hand in the operation. By the time he was fourteen Bob was operating trucks and heavy equipment, beginning his decades long career in heavy equipment operating.
In 1975 he married the prettiest girl in town (his words!), Linnea
Thorsen. They had three children together, Jennifer, Bob Jr., and Heather. Though their marriage ended some time ago, they remained good friends and cared deeply for one another.
Anyone who knew Bob Sr. knew he was one heck of a story teller. Whether it was about the old logging days of punching in new roads or epic trout fishing and hunting trips, he could recount every detail in a way that completely captivated his audience.
He truly adored and admired his children and was a doting "Papa" to his four grandchildren.
Bob Sr. left this world on January 15, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Sensen Olsen (2020) and Ray Olsen Sr. (2022). He is survived by his brothers, John, Jim, Ray Jr., and Mike; his children Jennifer (Kevin) Hess, Bob Jr. (Niccole) Olsen, and Heather (Travis Phibbs) Olsen; and his four grandchildren, Tani Schwartz, Paige Hansen, and Declan and Oskar Olsen.
The community is invited to join in supporting the family and celebrating the life of Bob Sr. at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 3rd at the Sons of Norway Hall.
Larine Stedman (Dunham) (1972)
January 26, 2023 | View PDF
Robert George Olsen
Robert George Olsen (Bob Sr.) was born January 7, 1954 to Ray and Gladys Olsen in Arlington, Washington. He was their fourth son, joining older brothers John, Jim, and Ray Jr. Soon to follow was the youngest brother of the bunch, Mike.
In 1967 the family moved from their cattle ranch in Washington to pursue logging opportunities in Alaska, which landed them in Petersburg. It was a family business and every one of the Olsens had a hand in the operation. By the time he was fourteen Bob was operating trucks and heavy equipment, beginning his decades long career in heavy equipment operating.
In 1975 he married the prettiest girl in town (his words!), Linnea
Thorsen. They had three children together, Jennifer, Bob Jr., and Heather. Though their marriage ended some time ago, they remained good friends and cared deeply for one another.
Anyone who knew Bob Sr. knew he was one heck of a story teller. Whether it was about the old logging days of punching in new roads or epic trout fishing and hunting trips, he could recount every detail in a way that completely captivated his audience.
He truly adored and admired his children and was a doting "Papa" to his four grandchildren.
Bob Sr. left this world on January 15, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Sensen Olsen (2020) and Ray Olsen Sr. (2022). He is survived by his brothers, John, Jim, Ray Jr., and Mike; his children Jennifer (Kevin) Hess, Bob Jr. (Niccole) Olsen, and Heather (Travis Phibbs) Olsen; and his four grandchildren, Tani Schwartz, Paige Hansen, and Declan and Oskar Olsen.
The community is invited to join in supporting the family and celebrating the life of Bob Sr. at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 3rd at the Sons of Norway Hall.