Ted graduated from Box Elder High School and Utah State University and earned a master’s degree in special education from Brigham Young University. He taught school and tutored students with reading disabilities.

Ted shared a happy marriage with Margaret Eileen Alger. Together, they built a loving family that grew to include five children, 18 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He loved being with his children and never missed an opportunity for a party or family gathering.

Ted always had a smile, a laugh, and a listening ear. He was kind and gentle, with a huge heart, a Herculean work ethic, and an indomitable will to persevere through pain and adversity. His quiet strength, unwavering determination, and enduring faith left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ted loved the gospel and found great joy in temple service. He served three missions: a three-year mission in Brazil, a service mission as an employment consultant, and a mission with his wife in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Ted loved driving long haul for Deseret Transportation. The scriptures and hymns were constant companions as he traveled the highways in his truck. He also traveled throughout the United States and around the world with his wife and, at times, other members of his family.

Music brought Ted great happiness. He played the accordion and piano and enjoyed sharing music with others. He also loved gardening and farming and was especially well known for his raspberries.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Afton Amy Hunsaker Olsen and Adolph Madsen Olsen; his sister, Audreen Morris; his brother-in-law, Jerry Morris; and his granddaughter, Amanda Olsen.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Eileen Alger Olsen; his sister, Pam (Jerry) Brenkmann; his children, Eileen Dempsey, Jeanne (Steve) Asay, Tedann Olsen, Mark (Angela) Olsen, and Brian (Brittney) Olsen; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In keeping with Ted’s lifelong commitment to education and helping others, he donated his body to the University of Utah School of Medicine so that future physicians may continue to learn. A celebration of Ted’s life will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roy 16th Ward, 4524 South 2525 West, Roy, Utah 84067, subject to change. Friends may visit with the family at the church beginning at 10 a.m.