Gary Lee Olsen

Gary Olsen, of Exira, IA, passed away at the age of 77 on January 24, 2025, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Gary Lee was born to John Lincoln & Ruby Naomi (Mack) Olsen in Carroll, IA, on January 27, 1947. He was baptized on June 8, 1947, in Ross, IA. He attended country schools throughout Audubon County & then attended Exira High School, graduating with the class of 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1966, serving until October 1969. During his service, he was a Jet Engine Mechanic. He spent 1 year in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

On April 22, 1972, he was united in marriage to Luann Marie Petty at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, IA. Following the marriage, they settled in Exira, where they raised their 5 daughters: Charity, Tina, Brenda, Tabitha (Tabby) & Alicia (AJ). In December 1971, he began working at Central Western Fabricators in Atlantic. He worked there for 44 years until his retirement in 2015. After retirement, he worked for the City of Exira mowing the Exira Cemetery for 2 years.

Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed watching Westerns, especially any with John Wayne. He enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren. After retirement, he enjoyed going on day trips and relaxing in his recliner, where he enjoyed telling stories from his younger years.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Luann. His daughters: Charity Olsen (Doug Foster) of Council Bluffs, IA; Tina Olsen (Marty Juelsgaard), Brenda (Rick) Christensen, all of Audubon, IA, Tabby Olsen of Kimballton, IA; and Alicia (Brian) Stortz of Meadow Grove, NE; 14 grandchildren: Derek, Megan, Allison Foster, Kyle (Courtney), Kalee, Karsen Juelsgaard, Katelynn, Kane, & Chevy Christensen, Gracie Olsen, Madilynn, Jackson, Samuel & Amelia Stortz; 2 Great-grandchildren: Lincoln Juelsgaard and 1 more great-grandchild due May 2025; brother Brad Olsen (Mary Brasfield); Sister Marsha Hansen; Brothers-in-law: Kevin (Cherie) Petty, Dell Petty (Leslie Forster), Sid (Cherie) Petty, Ivan Cooper; Sisters-in-law: Elsie (Richard) Flug, Linda Petty, Jaxine Petty, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, John & Ruby; mother & father-in-law Leo & Ruby Petty; 2 Brother-in-laws: Ron Petty & Roger Petty; 2 sisters-in-law: Lori Cooper & Patty Petty.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Exira Lutheran Church, with burial to follow at the Exira Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the Fellowship Hall of the Exira Lutheran Church.

Public visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Exira.

Memorials may be directed to the Gary Olsen Family, to be designated at a later date in memory of Gary, and may be mailed to the Olsen Family P.O. Box 74, Exira, IA 50076.

Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira, IA.