Gloria K. Olson

Gloria (Kunzler) Olson was reunited with her sweetheart in heaven on December 29, 2022, following a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. She left this world peacefully, enveloped in sunlight, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Gloria was born on April 6, 1953, to Floyd and Erva Kunzler. She was raised in Ogden, Utah and always cherished the connections and memories that she made there in her youth.  She was the second oldest of 8 children and took her role as “big sister” very seriously. In her 69 years of life, she never once forgot a sibling’s birthday or failed to celebrate their life accomplishments. She loved supporting her family at every graduation, baby blessing, baptism, etc. She was everyone's biggest cheerleader. 

Gloria attended Weber State University. It was there she met the love of her life, Craig Olson. They courted over glass bottle Coca-Colas and fancy dinners that she loved dressing up for. They found their home in one another. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 7, 1974. They started their shared lives together in a cute little home on Taylor Ave. They resided there in honeymoon bliss, until they later moved to Roy, Utah and were blessed with the first two of their 5 beautiful children. They outgrew that home quickly and moved to Syracuse, Utah in 1980 where Gloria lived out the rest of her days. They were grateful to have found heaven on earth in the Syracuse 7^th ward. Their ward family truly showed their love and support following March 30, 1999, when Gloria's husband tragically and unexpectedly passed away. Against all odds, she carried on, endured, and raised her children as a single mother over the next 23 years. Her strength and ability to persevere was truly inspiring. 

Gloria graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early education. Her unconditional love for children led to a teaching career of 22 years. She taught in Weber County School District at Grandview and Pioneer Elementary. She made a significant impact on many of her students’ lives. Prior students frequently visited her classroom years after she had taught them to express their appreciation. She was the recipient of numerous Apple Teacher awards throughout her career. It brought her so much joy to teach, care for, and love her students throughout the years. 

To know Gloria was to know Christ. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved sharing her beautiful testimony with everyone she knew. She loved the temple and found great peace there. She diligently served in every calling that was ever asked of her, including the Primary presidency, Young Women’s, gospel doctrine, chorister, pianist, stake single adult representative, temple worker, and many others. She found immense joy in serving others. She could often be found at your doorstep with soup, treats, or a trinket in hand. Her timing was impeccable as she followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and always showed up when you needed it most. She will always be remembered for her kindness and Christlike example. She was loved by everyone she came into contact with. 

Gloria loved her children, and grandchildren very deeply. They were her entire world. Her favorite place to be, was anywhere surrounded by her family, enjoying a simple meal together, laughing and creating memories. She had a great, deep belly laugh that was contagious. She loved decorating her home for every holiday, going on long scenic car rides, watching true crime, and dining at her favorite restaurants. Her grandchildren will miss sleepovers with grandma and making blueberry muffins together in the morning. We will miss listening to her play the piano in the front room. We will all miss her sincere handwritten cards for every occasion, and her bright, humorous personality. Gloria had a strong, sweet, quiet disposition and will be greatly missed, forever. She was the light of our lives. The only solace that makes her passing bearable is knowing that she's in the arms of her husband once again. Great love stories never end. 

Please tell your family you love them in memory of our sweet Gloria. 

We would also like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Carl Grey and his staff at Utah Hematology Oncology for being eternal optimists throughout her cancer journey. 

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband (Craig Olson), parents (Floyd and Erva Kunzler), and brothers (Ron and Read Kunzler). We know that it was a glorious reunion for her with all of the people that she missed so dearly. She is survived by her children, Kristy (John) Willis, John (Ashley) Olson, Michelle (James) Cummings, Paul Olson, and Lisa (Micah) Hornsby; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; as well as her siblings, Arlo (Jill) Kunzler, Sean (Shannon) Kunzler, Mike (Christie) Kunzler, SueAnn (Ken) Burton, and Jed (Jennifer) Kunzler. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00am at the Syracuse 7^th Ward meeting house, 1625 South 1100 West, Syracuse, Utah, with a viewing that morning from 9:30 to 10:30am at the church.

Family and friends are welcome to visit with the family at a viewing held on Friday evening, January 6, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse Utah.

Interment will take place at the Syracuse City Cemetery, 1250 South 1000 West, Syracuse, Utah.

Condolences may be shared, and live streaming of the services may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Gloria’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com

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