Philip I. Olsen

Philip I. Olsen, 77, of Elyria, went home to be with the Lord peacefully in his sleep on Saturday December 19, 2020 at his residence.  He was born January 22, 1943 in Howard City, Michigan.  He had resided in Elyria for over 50 years.  Phil was a graduate of Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree.  He began his teaching career in Lapeer, Michigan and also taught in Oberlin. He was also employed by Elyria City Schools as primarily a middle school teacher for 32 years and retired in 1998. Phil also coached soccer and wrestling at Elyria Schools, Oberlin Schools and at First Baptist Christian School in Elyria.  He also worked as a basketball, soccer and volleyball referee.  Phil was a faithful member for many years of First Baptist Church in Elyria where he served as a deacon and on the school board of First Baptist Christian School.  He was also very active in the music ministry of First Baptist Church and he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar.  In his spare time, Phil also enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles.  He was a family man and he dearly loved his wife, children and grandchildren.  Philip Olsen is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Mary (nee Allen); three daughters, Kirsten Spickler (Tim) of Elyria, Katrina Frymier (Michael) of Bozeman, Montana and Kerri Patton (Shawn) of LaGrange; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Susan Moore (Craig) of Lakeland, Florida; a brother, Stephen Olsen (Mary Jane) of Smithville; a foster brother, Van Salomon (Connie) of Imlay City, Michigan; and many foster children, including Tim and Jenny Blanchard.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Arnold and Merle (nee Cummins) Olsen.  The family will receive friends on Monday December 28, 2020 from 10:00am until the time of the funeral service at 12 noon at First Baptist Church, 11400 LaGrange Road, Elyria.  Phil’s brother, Pastor Stephen Olsen, will officiate the service.  Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Christian School in Elyria.     

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