William Sigurd "Willie" Olsen, 84, of La Junta passed away on September 12, 2022 at the Pioneer Heath Care Center in Rocky Ford.  He was born on November 6, 1937 in Flagler, Colorado to Sigurd and Evelyn (Benson) Olsen.  He was the first baby in the family born in a hospital (which at the time was the most modern hospital between Denver and Kansas City.

Willie grew up on the family farm northeast of Kit Carson where he learned to farm and raise cattle.  He attended grade school at a country school, Mount Pearl School, and graduated from Kit Carson High School in 1956.  He attended Otero Junior College in La Junta and attended Colorado University as well.  He served in the United States Army for two years.  He worked as a conductor for the Santa Fe Railroad for 42 years of his life.

He met his beloved wife, the love of his life in 1985 and they have been together for 37 years.  They enjoyed going to fun shows, farming and hunting for arrowheads together.  They resided in La Junta.  Willie loved collecting cars, guns and arrowheads and enjoyed farming.

Willie was a loving husband, father and grandfather and his family was very important to him.  He was also a wonderful friend to many.

Willie is survived by his wife, Dona of La Junta home; daughter, Cheryl (Bret) Reed of El Paso, TX; beloved stepchildren, Sandra Kinnamon of Montezuma, KS; Tim (Debra) Gibbs of Jetmore, KS; Dennis (Susan) Gibbs of Dodge City, KS; grandchildren, Eric (Amber) Reed of New Braunfels, TX; Savannah Reed of El Paso, TX; multiple beloved step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Norman (Wanda) Olsen of Kit Carson, CO; brother-in-law's Jerry Starkweather of Monument and Gary Longwell of Kit Carson; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Marilyn Olsen-Longwell and Helen Mae Starkweather.

As per Willie's request cremation has taken place and a memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore, KS with Jason Gibbs presiding.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore, KS.  Military graveside rites provided by United States Army and Chester Hawkins American Legion Post #290.

Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com.