print this page

Erwin L. Olsen

Erwin L. Olsen, 73, of Shelocta, PA, died Sunday, September 15, 2013, at his home with his wife, Karen, by his side.

He was born on April 16, 1940, in Titusville, PA, the son of Harold G. and Mary Eyla (Herring) Olsen.

Erwin graduated from Titusville High School in 1958 and went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Slippery Rock State College in 1962. He later earned his Master's degree from West Virginia University. For 35 years, Erwin was the physical education teacher at the Kittanning Township and Elderton Elementary Schools. Working with students was his passion and he was known for his incredible gift to connect and form relationships with students, especially those with special needs.

Erwin also loved gymnastics and was the founder of Evergreen Gymnastics Center in Indiana, PA. He delighted in seeing his students - especially the girls - develop their gymnastic skills and had students that went on to compete on the national and collegiate levels. Erwin was a resident of the Elderton area all of his adult life and was a member of Elderton Presbyterian Church.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 52 years, Karen (Shope) Olsen, whom he married January 23, 1961; children, Dr. Robyn L. Anderson and husband, William, of Ithaca, MI; Dr. Todd L. Olsen and wife, Leta Gail, of Lynchburg, VA, Shanna L. Cornuet and husband, Thomas, of Exton, PA, Corey L. Olsen and wife, Melanie, of West Chester, PA, and Gregory L. Olsen and wife, Kate, of State College, PA; and grandchildren, Curtis Anderson and wife, Brittney, Cali Anderson, Brandon Sitman, Tanner Olsen, Madison Olsen, Emily Cornuet, Ellie Cornuet, Kai Olsen, Kody Olsen, Benjamin Olsen and August Olsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary K. Olsen.

Relatives and friends may visit from 11 AM until the time of the memorial service at 1 PM on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the Elderton Presbyterian Church, 115 N Main Street, Elderton, with the Rev. Edward Gray officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Erwin's honor to the Elderton Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Elderton, PA 15736, or the Indiana VNA Hospice, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701.

print this page