Arnold Olsen

Stevensville - Arnold Olsen, 72, of Stevensville, Montana died from Lewy Body Dementia on Monday, August 22 at West Hills Assisted Living in Hamilton, MT. He was born April 17, 1950, in Sharon, CT, the son of the late Odmund and Evelyn (Hale) Olsen. After his early years in Sharon, CT, Arnold relocated with his family to Cape Cod, MA and eventually to Basom, NY. He ran on the Oakfield-Alabama Central School high school track team and was the president of his high school class where he graduated as the salutatorian. Arnold spoke fondly of his summers working on his uncle’s dairy farm in CT. At a young age he committed his life to Jesus Christ and lived in His grace until his death. He was an active participant and leader in several churches throughout his life and helped instill a love of Jesus in his children: his most significant legacy from his earthly life. He majored in Biology at Wheaton College, and his assigned chapel seat at Wheaton was next to Pamela Morrison, whom he would marry on December 9, 1972. He went on to complete master’s and doctorate degrees in Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University Much of his career was spent with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in a variety of positions in the Parks, Wildlife, and Field Services Divisions. He served as Director of the Montana Historical Society and ended his career as Director of the Montana Natural History Center. Arnold loved spending time outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He also enjoyed sports and often played softball and basketball with friends from church and work. Arnold was a strong supporter of his children’s extracurricular activities and rarely missed their sporting events and performances. Arnold is survived by his wife Pamela; daughter Adria Jurhs and husband Peter of Idaho; sons Peter and wife Stephanie of Virginia, and Andrew and wife Karissa of Montana; four grandsons, four granddaughters, another granddaughter soon to be born. He is also survived by his younger brother and sister. A service for family and friends will be held at Lolo Community Church, Lolo, Montana on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 1:30 pm. A burial service will be held in East Shelby, New York on September 10. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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