Son, Husband, Father, Friend, and Faithful Member and Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

John R. Oleson passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Utah Valley, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord — a man whose conversion to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ became the compass by which he conducted his daily walk in life.

Born February 16, 1943, in Greybull, Wyoming, John was the first child of his loving parents, John and Madeline. He was the oldest of his siblings: LaRae, Cheryl, and Francie. He was raised on a farm in Emblem, Wyoming and loved being a farm boy. From a very young age, he drove tractors, sheared sheep, milked cows, and enjoyed working the farm alongside his father and Uncle Orin. As a teenager, he was involved in FFA and won grand champion showing sheep at the state fair. An all around athlete, he played basketball, football, and baseball. He played clarinet in the marching band and had a love for fast cars. He attended the Lutheran Church as a child with his family.

Following his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John served as a full-time missionary in the New York State Mission (1960–1963). He was honored that his first of many baptisms came just prior to entering the mission field, having baptized his Grandpa Peterson before his full-time service began.

Upon returning from his missionary service, John attended Brigham Young University, where he met and fell in love with Janis Haueter. Together they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 31, 1967 — a covenant he cherished and honored faithfully.

Throughout his life, John answered the call to serve with wholehearted devotion. As a lifelong missionary, he served in ward and stake mission callings. Later in life, when time permitted, he served alongside his sweetheart and companion, Janis. To his great joy, they served two full-time missions together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, giving of their time, energy, and testimony wherever they were called. His service in the Church extended far beyond missions and included faithful participation in high councils and bishoprics.

John was a hard worker, recognized for his achievements in sales excellence. He enjoyed being physically active and growing things in his thriving vegetable garden. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of integrity, service, and faith, not through words alone, but through the quiet and consistent way he lived and through his testimony and great love of the Savior. Those who knew him will remember his friendly demeanor, love of conversation, and playful disposition.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Madeline Oleson, his beloved wife of nearly 56 years, Janis Oleson, who passed away in January 2023, and by his two sisters, LaRae and Cheryl. Following Janis’s passing, John found love and companionship when he married Bobby Lea Longhurst.

He is survived by his sister Francie (Ken) Weekes; his seven children: Rebecca (Chad) Randall, Lynette (Mark) Smedley, David (Kristi) Oleson, Jana (Paul) Talbot, Michael (Tami) Oleson, Mary (Conrad) Pack, and Aleisa (Kevin) Price; 41 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 3, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 250 East 200 South, Midway, Utah 84049. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening, June 2, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Probst Family Funeral Center, 79 East Main Street, Midway, Utah 84049, and again the following morning at the church, Wednesday, June 3, from 9:30–10:30 AM. John will be laid to rest at Midway City Cemetery, beside his eternal companion, Janis.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” — Ephesians 2:19–20