Gordon was born on June 23, 1942, in American Fork, Utah, to Roy K Olsen and Madge Leavitt Olsen. He grew up in Orem, Utah, in the family ancestral home that remains in the Olsen family today. He was the youngest of three children, with an older brother, Rex Olsen, and a sister, Greta Olsen Bandley.

The loss of his father during his youth deeply influenced Gordon’s approach to life. Watching his older siblings step in and shoulder adult responsibilities at an early age instilled in him a deep sense of foresight and responsibility. He became a meticulous planner, always thinking ahead for the well-being of his family — from prepaying for his own funeral to helping fund college tuition for his grandchildren.

As a teenager, Gordon found himself at a crossroads. After being told by his mother that his options were to join the Army or be sent away to a boys’ camp, Gordon chose the Army — requiring his mother to sign his enlistment papers to join as he had just turned seventeen years old. He served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962, spending much of his time stationed in Germany, where he witnessed the construction of the Berlin Wall. His detailed accounts of this time are preserved in the many letters he wrote home to his mother, which she carefully kept in a scrapbook.

April 1966, Gordon married Glenda Kay Funk. Gordon adopted Glenda’s son, Bradford, and together they had Steven, Julee, and Mark. Gordon and Glenda later divorced after 23 years of marriage.

Following his military service, Gordon worked in demanding engineering and construction roles, including building missile silos, before joining Ironworkers Local 27. He was a proud union Ironworker for more than 60 years and remained a lifetime member of Local 27. In 1991, Gordon was awarded two patents related to engineering innovations; one of these patents was purchased by Flying J. His aptitude for problem-solving and innovation was a legacy carried on by his sons, who pursued careers in engineering and ironworking.

In 1987, Gordon and Thad Beal founded OlsenBeal, a bridge-building company. During the company’s first year, they did not collect a paycheck, focusing instead on building a strong foundation through successful projects. Gordon studied extensively to obtain the necessary certifications, including AISC certification, which proved instrumental to the company’s long-term success which is still thriving today.

Gordon also reconnected with his faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1987. Around this time, he began a relationship with Melody Anne Bounds, the love of his life. They were married on November 25, 1987 in the Salt Lake City Temple and shared 37 years together.

Gordon and Melody lived life fully, growing OlsenBeal, and also enjoying boating at Lake Powell, snowmobiling at their cabin in Strawberry, jet skiing at Lake Havasu, and researching family genealogy in Denmark. In later years, they embarked on a new venture as owners of Red Wing Ranch, successfully racing quarter horses throughout the western United States. During Gordon’s recent health challenges, Melody could often be found rising before dawn to care for the horses, returning home hours later to Gordon’s familiar question: “How are the horses?”

Gordon served in various church callings, which included serving with Melody as a couple for 9 years at one of the BYU stakes.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Melody Ann Olsen; his sons, Bradford Lee (Carami) Olsen, of Henderson, Nevada; Steven L (Gina) Olsen, of Lehi, Utah; and Mark Funk (Mandi) Olsen, of Eagle Mountain, Utah; 22 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julee Olsen Rogers; his parents, Roy and Madge Olsen; and his siblings, Rex Olsen and Greta Olsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Manila Creek 3rd Ward Chapel, 3785 W. Box Elder Drive (4000 North), Pleasant Grove, Utah. The family will receive friends at the Berg Mortuary of Orem, 500 North State Street, Friday, January 16 from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street.

The family sincerely thanks everyone who has reached out with messages of sympathy, shared stories, and acts of kindness during this time. Condolences may be extended online at www.bergmortuary.com.