Dale Olsen

Biography 1 October 1931 29 May 2012 Dale H. Olsen, 80, of Safford, entered into rest on May 29, 2012. Dale was born during the Great Depression in historic Lone Star to Howard and Annie Olsen. He was raised there and graduated from Safford High School in 1949. He attended Eastern Arizona College for one year, but then decided he didnt want to go to school and instead wanted to farm and ranch. About that time, he received his U.S. Army Greetings draft notice for the Korean War in 1952. After basic training, he was sent to serve in Germany. Dale married Elidia Escobedo during a three day pass on July 5th 1952. After his discharge, he came home and started farming with his brother Marvin in 1952 as the Olsen Bros. Dale also continued to work with his dad Howard on his cattle ranch during this time and was active in various committees. He was a member of the US Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee for twelve years, a member of the board of directors of the Valley Cotton Growers Co-Op, member of the board of directors of the Irrigation District, and was a Graham County Supervisor for sixteen years. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Annie Olsen. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Elidia, his children Wade (Carrie) Olsen of Tucson, Linda (Bart) Carlock of Tyler Texas, West (Brenda) Olsen of Safford, Wendy (Jace) John of Safford, Clay Olsen of Cool California, his twelve grandchildren, his twenty two great grand children, his brothers Marvin Olsen, Randall Olsen , and Steve (Becky) Olsen. A graveside memorial service for Dale will be held Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 9 a.m. at the Safford Cemetery.