Steve Leroy Olsen

STEVE LEROY OLSEN

February 13, 1946 – March 14, 2024

Steve Leroy Olsen passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024 in Denver, Colorado after a short illness and surrounded by his family.

Steve was born February 13, 1946, the son of Harold and Vivian Olsen. He grew up in Abilene, Kansas where he attended the public schools and graduated from Abilene High School in 1964. During his early years, Steve spent much time outdoors playing all sports. Many hours at the Highlands Golf Course that was built and operated by Steve’s grandparents, Clyde and Debby Stevens, were the foundation for his lifelong love of golf. Baseball and golf in the summer, basketball in the winter, and track and field in the spring were passions for Steve as a young boy.

As Steve entered high school, he excelled in all sports. He was a four-sport letterman in football, an all-CKL quarterback his senior year, a starting guard in basketball, a sprinter, hurdler and pole-vaulter in track, and varsity golfer who led AHS to a State Championship as Individual Medalist in 1963. To say that Steve loved sports is an understatement, as he was constantly on the move from one to another where he honed his skills. Recruited his junior year to play football at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Steve was unable to do so because of a congenital heart defect that was disqualifying for military service.

In addition to the sports activities, Steve worked many hours side-by-side with his parents at the Abilene Floral Company. He delivered flowers throughout Dickinson County and was a skilled floral designer when asked to help on busy holidays at the Shop. His work ethic was impressive as he took summer jobs on local farms baling hay and doing other hard work. Steve was never one to sit still.

Not limited to athletics, Steve participated in choir, musical theater, and student council at AHS. He danced and sang in the high school musical performances. Friends and family were important to Steve and his decision to continue his education at Kansas University came soon after his years at AHS. Joining the Sigma Chi fraternity at KU and playing baseball his freshman year were predictable transitions for Steve.

Majoring in business and meeting Nancee Lou Coard were highlights of his years at KU, and they married shortly after graduation. After Steve earned his MBA at KU, he and Nancee moved to Denver, Colorado where they began their careers and welcomed two sons, Blaine and Randy, to their family.

Steve enjoyed a long and prosperous career working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This job was very fulfilling as he helped people through hurricanes, floods, and many other devastating disasters in his decades with FEMA. He was deeply passionate about his work and making a difference in people's lives.

Forever an avid athlete and competitor, Steve completed many marathons and bike races. He loved skiing and climbing 14,000 foot mountain peaks in Colorado with his sons. You could always find Steve rooting for Kansas Jayhawks basketball, enjoying a Denver Broncos game at Mile High Stadium, or driving back and forth to Colorado Springs for a Colorado College hockey game. Most recently, he could be found on the George Washington High School sidelines cheering on his granddaughters’ soccer team. Age was simply a number with Steve - it only pushed him to stay physically fit. In 2015, a serious bike accident left Steve with a spinal cord injury. Steve’s competitive spirit and determination led to a truly miraculous recovery. His accident would have been catastrophic for most people, but despite being left with many permanent physical challenges, his recovery was inspirational to witness.

Steve and Nancee were married for over 53 years before Nancee’s passing in 2021. They loved their home, friends, and community in Bow Mar, Colorado. Later in life they enjoyed a second home in Florida at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club. Nothing made Steve more proud than his family. Steve is survived by his sons Blaine (Shawna) of Denver Colorado and Randy (Krissi) of New York, New York. His beloved granddaughters Tessa, Lucy, Tatum, and Campbell will fondly remember their legendary Papa. He is also survived by his loving brother Rodney Olsen (Susie) of Manhattan, Kansas and many treasured nephews and nieces. With Steve’s passing, “Team Olsen” has lost its captain and will miss him dearly.

Steve’s life will be celebrated by his family at a later date. Donations can be made in Steve’s memory to the Craig Hospital Foundation:

https://craighospital.org/foundation