Reed Gardner Olson, 92

Reed Gardner Olson, 92, passed away March 29. Reed was born to Irene and Albert Olson on August 19, 1921, in West Jordan, Utah. He worked from a young age on the Olson Brothers wheat farm, and subsequently attended the University of Utah. 

Reed joined the United States Marine Corps following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and served as a communications officer in the assault and surrender of Iwo Jima. He was in a foxhole 300 yards from Mount Suribachi and saw the raising of the United States flag, but also lost two cousins on Iwo. After Reed's release from national service, he moved to California and graduated from the University of Southern California. He married and raised three children. 

Upon retirement from Hughes Aircraft Company, Reed married Roberta Miller in the Los Angeles LDS Temple, and moved to a log home on Carlin Bay, Idaho, in 1985. Reed worked as a realtor for Coldwell Banker, specializing in property on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. He and Roberta served a welfare mission in Coeur d’Alene from 2001 to 2002. They built and enjoyed a beautiful home on Beauty Bay, and in 2003 moved into Coeur d'Alene.  

Reed loved music. He and Roberta attended the symphony and sang in their church choir. Reed was devoted to his faith and family. A man of uncommon strength and integrity, Reed will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. 

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m., Friday, April 11, at the LDS church house on Fourth Street in Coeur d’Alene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice House of North Idaho. Please visit Reed’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com