Stephen Kent Ohlsen January 25, 1940 - June 21, 2025

Stephen Kent Ohlsen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at his home in Payson, Utah, at the age of 85.

Born on January 25, 1940, in El Dorado, Kansas, to Verle “Slim” Ohlsen and Billie Asbury, Stephen’s early life was shaped by the wide open Kansas plains, where he spent childhood summers riding horses—a passion that would stay with him throughout his life.

Stephen’s journey took him from the small towns of Kansas to the shores of Long Beach, California, where he fell in love with the ocean and swimming, and later to Joshua Tree and 29 Palms during his high school years. His young adulthood was marked by service and dedication: he proudly served in the U.S. Navy starting in 1958, during which time he found his faith and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After his military service, Stephen earned his B.S. in Spanish with a minor in History from UC Irvine and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. In 1970, he joined the Stanton Fire Department and quickly rose through the ranks to become Captain, later concluding his distinguished career as an Inspector with the Orange County Fire Department. He lived by the guiding words of his Fire Chief, Chip Prather: “Be tough, be tender, be safe.”

Stephen married his “eternal soulmate”, Maree Ohlsen, on September 16, 1972, in the Manti Temple—a union that remains an inspiring testament to enduring love and devotion. Together they raised four children, Kent, Kara, Kristin, and Kalee, instilling in them the same faith, love, and zest for life that defined him.

A man of many passions and endless curiosity, Stephen was an avid reader and history buff, always eager to learn and discuss current events. He found joy in pottery, music, and even ballroom dancing in his youth. He was the biggest BYU Cougars fan you’d ever meet, cheering on his team in both basketball and football with unwavering enthusiasm.

Stephen loved the outdoors—whether fishing with his children and grandchildren (followed by a celebratory rainbow trout fry if the catch was good), riding horses, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. In his later years in Payson, Utah, he rekindled his boyhood love of horses, caring for his beloved Arabians, Missy and Star.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. After serving a mission, Stephen dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his church and community, serving in roles such as counselor in a bishopric, Scoutmaster, and temple worker for 11 years. Of all his callings, being a ministering brother brought him the greatest joy; he cherished building meaningful connections with the families he served, always living by Abraham Lincoln’s words: “[If] I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”

Stephen’s kind heart, strong faith, playful humor, and deep love for his family will forever be remembered. He had a gift for making others feel special and loved—whether through a silly joke, a wise conversation, or a warm embrace. Family was always his first priority and his constant tether to God guided him through every season of life.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Maree; their four children, Kent (Dana), Kara (Darren), Kristin (Craig), Kalee (Trevor); 14 cherished grandchildren and a great-grandchild expected in September; his brother Terry Ohlsen; and his sisters Laura Ann Werner and Kathy Maldonado. His legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion lives on in each of them, and in the countless lives he touched.

A life well-lived, a family well-loved, and a soul forever safe in the tender care of his Heavenly Father.

A visitation will be held in Stephen’s honor on June 30, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 952 West 1580 South, Payson, Utah from 9:30 -10:45 a.m. Funeral Services will immediately follow at the same location beginning at 11:00 a.m.