Charles Eldon Olsen

Charles was born on August 6, 1950, in Cardston, Alberta Canada to Eldon Gane Olsen and Elizabeth Romeril, the oldest of 6 children. He grew up on a farm and developed a strong work ethic early in life. He earned the Governor General’s award at age 14 for academic excellence and was a provincial chess champion. Charles learned to play the piano at an early age and became a proficient pianist and organist—skills he later passed on to his children alongside his love for chess. He attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Physics. He also served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to Central Germany from 1969-1971 where he became fluent in German.

While in college he met Margie Ann Seager at church and they were later married in the Logan, Utah temple, on December 15, 1972. Together they raised 3 children, Anthony (“Tony”), Gerald (“Jerry”), and Wendy. Charles joined IBM as a computer programmer right after college and enjoyed a successful 44-year career until his retirement in 2017. His highly sought-after computer skills led to roles in offices across Iowa, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Colorado. IBM asked him to return to Germany on two occasions for an additional 6 years due to his superior skillset with mainframe software design and technical troubleshooting and was invited to train teams in China, Russia, and Singapore. He visited more than 30 countries during his career.

While living in Germany, he led his family on frequent trips around Europe, fueling their appreciation for history and culture. Ever the adventurer, he even traveled beyond the Iron Curtain to Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Yugoslavia now (Bosnia & Herzegovina), and the Soviet Union (now Russia). He shared memorable travels with Margie to Israel, attended the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, and vacations in Hawaii. One memorable trip was when he and his family visited Berlin shortly after the Berlin Wall fell, bringing home pieces they had chipped off.

Later in life, when telecommuting became possible, he and Margie moved to Sarasota, Florida so she could pursue her art degree, and later to Orlando to be near the LDS temple and Disney World. He wholeheartedly supported her love of Disney, and they enjoyed countless visits to the theme parks with their children. Charles concluded his remarkable career in Gilbert, Arizona in 2017.

Charles was active in his LDS faith and served in various roles. He was a former Bishop and member of the Stake Presidency, he also loved serving in the Temple for over 14 years. He was proficient with tools and often helped family and friends with their home improvement projects. He led his family to finish the basement and landscaping of their Colorado home.

Charles loved country/folk music, two of his favorite musicians were John Denver and Neil Diamond. Frequent trips to London, England nurtured his love for the theater. He grew to love musicals like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and Fiddler on the Roof. He encouraged his family to take part in the Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York for 3 years, profoundly impacting them all. He loved to ski in the Swiss Alps, golf in Colorado, consume ice cream, and preferred his steak cooked medium rare.

Charles passed away on April 15, 2025, in Chandler, AZ. He is preceded in death by his sister Verena, grandson Brian, and his parents Eldon and Elizabeth Olsen. He is survived by his wife Margie, children Tony (Debbie), Jerry (Cheryl), and Wendy (Kevin Wise), 13 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and his 4 siblings Jeanine (Stan), Phil (Erin), Diane (Chuck Lindsey), and David.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 26,2025, at 10:00am.

Funeral services are on Saturday, April 26,2025, at 11:00am

Both will be held at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Church building, 3770 S Cooper Rd Chandler, AZ 85249

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.