Otto Olsen

Otto Olsen, beloved husband and father, passed away all too soon, just shy of
his 89th birthday on October 15, 2023, in his home in Long Beach, California,
surrounded by his family.

He was born in Oslo, Norway on October 28, 1934 and
emigrated with his parents, Theodore and Svanhild, and sister, Anita, to New
York in 1937. Growing up in the shadow of Ebbets Field, he was a die-hard
Brooklyn Dodgers fan. Shortly after his family moved to Venice Beach,
California, for his senior year of high school, as fate would have it, the Dodgers
also moved to Los Angeles!

Otto was a man of quiet faith and had a strong sense of family and community.
Committed to making a difference and helping others, he joined the Long Beach
Police Department on March 4, 1957 serving for 31 years until his retirement as
a Lieutenant on April 30, 1988. Additionally, he served his country as a private in
the U.S. Army for two years in Korea earning recognition for good conduct and
marksmanship.

He was also active with his parish and met his wife of 61 years, Nancy, through
their social club. They practically shut down the Reef Restaurant on their first
date, discovering how much they shared in common, their values, love of family
and desire for children, even if they would need to adopt. They were married five
months later and did end up adopting four very fortunate children.

He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love
him. He will continue to live in the hearts of those who will one day join him
again, his wife Nancy (Gillooly) Olsen, their children Ted (Pattee), Tim (Sharon),
Beth (Jo) and Mary (Tom), and their grandchildren, step-grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, and all of his extended family and friends.

Otto will be missed, but never forgotten.