Galen Adler Olson

Galen Adler Olson, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 23, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, to Lyle and Phyllis Olson. Galen married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Elliott, on May 26, 1967, at the Church of the Chimes in Sherman Oaks, California. They were later sealed in the Los Angeles, California Temple on April 26, 1975.

Galen was a hands-on man who enjoyed cars, motorcycles, drag racing, and anything mechanical. He was a member of the Throttlers, a hot rod club in the San Fernando Valley. After high school, Galen attended LA Trade Tech School, where he developed the skills that became the foundation of his career, eventually owning and operating three businesses specializing in refrigeration and appliance repair. His knowledge and experience led him to serve as the technician aboard the first DC-10 charter flight around the world.

Galen and Marilyn later moved to Oregon, where they raised their family. He enjoyed camping, fishing, working on cars, and spending time with his family. He always took the time to teach his kids the same skills and passed on his love for camping, fixing things, and all things Los Angeles sports. Family was important to Galen. As his children and grandchildren grew, he and Marilyn eventually moved to Utah to be closer to them. He took great pride in his family and enjoyed the time he spent with them. Galen was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in two bishoprics and willingly gave his time and service to the Church and those around him.

Galen is survived by his wife, Marilyn Olson; his three children, Christopher (Sharlene) Olson of Orem, Utah; Stacy (Everett) Black of Orem, Utah; and Peter (Morgen) Olson of Stansbury Park, Utah; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Phyllis Olson, and his brother, Pete.

Galen lived a full life, built a family he was proud of, and left behind a lifetime of skills, stories, and memories. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem with a viewing held that morning from 9:30-10:30 am at the funeral home prior to the services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may veiw the Livestream HERE