Joe Olsen

Reed Joseph Olsen (68) died of natural causes on April 20, 2026, at his home in Rigby, Idaho.

Joe was born on August 5, 1957, to Ray and Janet (Kimball) Olsen. Joe was the 4th of 7 children and entered the family with a rambunctious and tenacious personality that kept everyone on their toes. Throughout his childhood, he ran amok on the farm with his siblings and his cousins. When he wasn’t working with the cows or doing chores, he was fishing, peddling farm fresh eggs throughout the neighborhood, and finding whatever mischief he could. Joe attended school in Rigby and graduated from Rigby High School in 1975. He continued his education at Idaho State University and at a technical program in California. Joe was a jack of all trades and spent his life in various jobs and industries including sales and construction. He built bridges in Oregon and enjoyed his time there. He spent some time in California working on medical lasers. Joe worked for Pacific West Construction and got to travel around the area doing what he loved. He eventually retired from BMC West in Idaho Falls. He spent most of his life in Eastern Idaho and had a very special place in his heart for Island Park and the Olsen Cabin.

In 1985, he married Sherrie Lynn Walker in Rigby, Idaho. Chelsey came along in 1987 and Joseph Chase in 1989. Above all things, Joe was most proud to be a father to his children. As a family, they made memories camping, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Joe and Sherrie later divorced, but this period of his life was one of fond memories.

Joe was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a passion for all things outdoors. He was typically found on a boat or in a river with a fishing pole, in the woods with a hunting rifle or on the golf course. No matter what he was doing, he provided the best conversation and could make you feel like the most important person in the room with his world class smile.

Joe is survived by so many people who loved him. His mother Janet, siblings, Kirk (Karlie) Olsen of Rigby, Idaho, Lori (Rick) Gord of West Jordan, Utah, and MaryAnn (David) Hanny of South Jordan, Utah. His children, Chelsey (Mike) Hale of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Chase (Shalee) Olsen of Victor, Idaho. He absolutely cherished his 8 grandchildren: Boston, Kennadie, Asher and Maddox Hale and Aleeya, Jaylee, Leeo and Leeam Olsen. He had many wonderful nieces and nephews that he was proud of and enjoyed being a part of their lives. His cousins were like siblings to him. He was cherished and will be missed by countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray and siblings, Tracy, Kevin and Margaret.

Services will be held on Monday April 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the Rigby 12th Ward located at 602 Sundance Drive Rigby, ID 83442. Family visitation will be held that morning beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will be held at Rigby Pioneer Cemetery directly following the funeral services. Family luncheon to occur directly after interment at the Rigby 12th Ward.

Joe is finally at peace; free of the physical and emotional pain that plagued his life for so long. We know Ray welcomed you with open arms and you are up there having one heck of a reunion. Catch the biggest fish you can! We love you so much.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.