Orlin Henry Olsen

Orlin Henry Olsen, age 88, of Raritan, Illinois, passed away to his heavenly home on Friday, December 1, 2023 at his home.  He was born December 8, 1934, in Elk Horn, Iowa, the son of Rev. Henry and Marion Mapes Olsen.  

Orlin moved to Raritan in 1951 and graduated from Media-Wever High School in 1953.  He loved participating in sports and earned several athletic awards while in high school.

On September 18, 1955, he married Ruth Wallace at the Raritan Baptist Church. He served in the United States Army for two years and spent 18 months stationed in Paris, France.  He was thrilled to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in September of 2019.

He enjoyed farm work and worked at Raritan Feed & Farm for 30 years.  After retirement, he did part time work for Sonny’s Repair and the Raritan State Bank.  He was an avid gardener, loved to grow big gardens so he could share the vegetables.  Orlin loved Christmas and decorated his home every year with lights and Christmas decor.

Orlin was a member of the Raritan Baptist Church, and loved serving the Lord in whatever way he could!  As a gospel music lover, he and Ruth went to many gospel music concerts.  He was gifted with a bass voice, and loved singing.  He was a member of the Raritan Fire Department and served 47 years as a volunteer.  He served 29 years on the Raritan Village Board.  Over the years, Orlin gave nearly 26 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.  He loved his family, and loved seeing his kids and grandkids as often as possible.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth, a son, Douglas (Cindie) Olsen of Mahomet, IL, a daughter, Sandra (Ed) Marsh of Elgin, IL, five grandchildren, Kyle Olsen, Hannah Olsen, Allison Marsh, Cameron Marsh, Joshua Marsh, and one great grandson, Lincoln Henry Olsen of St. Louis, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Ardyce and Yvonne, and an infant son, Bryan Eugene Olsen.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Monday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday December 5, 2023 at the Raritan Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Welty officiating.  Burial will follow in the Raritan Cemetery.  Memorials have been established for the Raritan Baptist Church and the Raritan Volunteer Fire Department.  Please visit Orlin’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.