Michael Wade Olsen

SEPTEMBER 26, 1943 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

Michael Wade Olsen (80), of Salt Lake City, Utah peacefully passed away at home on September 22, 2024 of natural causes.Born September 26, 1943 to Cleon Olsen and Nola Rosenbaum in Brigham City, Utah, Mike graduated Bear River High School, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark and graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. Mike is a faith-filled renaissance man who enjoyed ranching, art, fishing, crossword puzzles, golf, woodworking, music, travel, quiet philanthropy, and physical work.

Mike found his greatest joy in his roles as husband, father and grandfather. He married Sherie Lynn Anderson in 1967, had three children and moved from Salt Lake City to Hoytsville, Utah in 1979. Though he commuted daily to Salt Lake City, he loved being in Hoytsville where he and Sherie raised their family and made wonderful lifelong friends. Later, he and Sherie moved back to Salt Lake City to be closer to family; however, he would make the drive to his cattle ranches near Logan and Kelton often.

After a few years as a pharmacist, Mike’s professional career changed to business as he became President of Dee’s, Inc., Dee’s Drive-Ins and Dee’s Family Restaurants, progressing into commercial real estate, hotel hospitality and cattle ranching. Mike never retired, but stayed active as the Chairman of Dee’s, Inc. while enjoying his time working and growing Coldwater Ranch and golfing at the Salt Lake Country Club with the Rabbits.

Mike is preceeded in death by his parents, Cleon and Nola Olsen, son-in-law Kelly Gold and parents-in-law Dee and Chelta Anderson. He is survived by his wife Sherie Olsen, children, Todd Olsen, Jill Gold, Wade (Jessica) Olsen, grandsons Wyatt Gold, Jackson, Daniel, Luke and Henry Olsen, sisters Holly (Jack) Zenger, Randy (Wayne) Moore, Renae (Bob) Bushman and brothers Chad (Toni) Olsen and Gene (Michelle) Olsen.

“As long as there’s a sunset, he’ll keep ridin’ for the brand, you just can’t see him from the road” -Chris Ledoux

Per Mike’s request, no public services will be held, ceremonies with immediate family members will be held at Coldwater Ranch and Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. Please share a memory or leave condolences at:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Brian Locke Scholarship Fund, an educational fund founded by Mike for children of first responders. Checks may be mailed to: 1136 East Wilmington Ave. Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 or Venmo: @Coldwater7