Meet The Beloved Wife Of Legendary Football Player Merlin Olsen

Who was Merlin Olsen's wife?

Merlin Olsen's wife was Susan Wakeland Olsen. They were married from 1962 until his death in 2010.

Susan Wakeland Olsen was born in 1942 in Los Angeles, California. She met Merlin Olsen while they were both students at Utah State University. They married in 1962 and had three children together: Nathan, Jill, and Andy.

Susan Olsen was a stay-at-home mom for many years. She later worked as a teacher and a real estate agent. She was also very involved in her community, volunteering her time to several organizations.

Susan Olsen was a loving and supportive wife to Merlin Olsen. She was also a devoted mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Merlin Olsen was an American football player, actor, and sports commentator. He played defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1976. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

After his football career, Olsen became an actor. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Little House on the Prairie," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Diagnosis: Murder." He also worked as a sports commentator for NBC and ESPN.

Merlin Olsen died in 2010 at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their three children.

Merlin Olsen's Wife

Merlin Olsen's wife, Susan Wakeland Olsen, played a significant role in his life and career. Here are six key aspects of their relationship:

• Marriage: They were married for 48 years, from 1962 until Merlin's death in 2010.
• Support: Susan was a loving and supportive wife, accompanying Merlin to many events and supporting his career.
• Family: They had three children together: Nathan, Jill, and Andy.
• Community: Susan was actively involved in her community, volunteering her time to several organizations.
• Home life: Susan was a stay-at-home mom for many years, creating a stable and loving home environment for her family.
• Legacy: Susan continues to honor Merlin's legacy through her work with the Merlin Olsen Foundation.

These key aspects highlight the important role that Susan Olsen played in Merlin's life and career. She was a loving and supportive wife, a devoted mother, and a dedicated member of her community. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

1. Marriage

Merlin Olsen's marriage to Susan Wakeland Olsen was a long and loving one. They were married for 48 years, from 1962 until Merlin's death in 2010. Their marriage was built on a strong foundation of love, respect, and mutual support.

• Love: Merlin and Susan were deeply in love with each other. They enjoyed spending time together and were always there for each other, through good times and bad.
• Respect: Merlin and Susan had a great deal of respect for each other. They valued each other's opinions and always treated each other with kindness and consideration.
• Support: Merlin and Susan were always there to support each other. They were each other's biggest fans and always encouraged each other to reach their full potential.

Merlin and Susan's marriage was a shining example of love, respect, and support. They were truly soulmates and their love for each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.

2. Support

Susan Olsen's support was a key component of Merlin Olsen's success. She was a constant presence at his games and events, and she was always there to offer her encouragement and support. Her presence gave Merlin the confidence to perform at his best, and it helped him to achieve his goals.

There are many examples of Susan's support for Merlin. She would often travel with him to away games, and she would always be there to greet him after the game, win or lose. She was also a vocal advocate for Merlin's career. She would often speak to the media about his accomplishments, and she would always defend him against his critics.

Susan's support was not just limited to Merlin's football career. She was also there for him during his acting career and his work as a sports commentator. She was always his biggest fan, and she was always there to offer her support.

The support of a loving and supportive spouse can make a world of difference in a person's life. Susan Olsen's support was a key factor in Merlin Olsen's success, and it helped him to achieve his full potential.

3. Family

The connection between "Family: They had three children together: Nathan, Jill, and Andy." and "merlin olsen wife" is significant. Susan Olsen was a devoted wife and mother, and her family was the most important part of her life. She was always there for her children, and she supported them in all their endeavors.

Susan's love and support had a major impact on her children's lives. Nathan Olsen went on to become a successful businessman, Jill Olsen became a teacher, and Andy Olsen became a professional football player. All three of Susan's children credit her for their success, and they say that she was the most important person in their lives.

The Olsen family is a close-knit one, and they have always been there for each other. When Merlin Olsen was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, his wife and children were by his side every step of the way. They supported him through his illness, and they were there for him when he passed away in 2010.

The Olsen family is a shining example of love, support, and devotion. Susan Olsen was a wonderful wife and mother, and her legacy will continue to inspire her family and friends for years to come.

The connection between "Family: They had three children together: Nathan, Jill, and Andy." and "merlin olsen wife" is a reminder that family is the most important thing in life. Susan Olsen was a devoted wife and mother, and she was always there for her family. Her love and support had a major impact on her children's lives, and her legacy will continue to inspire them for years to come.

4. Community

Being an active member of her community was an important part of Susan Olsen's life, and she dedicated much of her time and energy to volunteering for several organizations.

• Supporting Education: Susan was a strong believer in the power of education, and she volunteered her time at several local schools. She tutored students, helped with fundraising events, and served on the PTA.
• Helping the Needy: Susan was also passionate about helping those in need, and she volunteered her time at several local soup kitchens and homeless shelters. She often helped to serve meals, sort donations, and provide companionship to those who were less fortunate.
• Promoting the Arts: Susan was a lover of the arts, and she volunteered her time at several local theaters and museums. She helped to organize events, raise funds, and promote the arts to the community.
• Environmental Protection: Susan was also concerned about the environment, and she volunteered her time at several local environmental organizations. She helped to clean up parks and beaches, plant trees, and educate others about the importance of protecting the environment.

Susan Olsen's volunteer work made a significant impact on her community, and she was an inspiration to others. She showed that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference, and she encouraged others to get involved in their communities and make a difference in the lives of others.

Susan's commitment to her community is a reflection of her character and her values. She was a kind, compassionate, and generous person who always put others before herself. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

5. Home life

The connection between "Home life: Susan was a stay-at-home mom for many years, creating a stable and loving home environment for her family." and "merlin olsen wife" is significant. As Merlin Olsen's wife, Susan played a vital role in creating a stable and loving home environment for her family. This was essential for Merlin's success, as it allowed him to focus on his career knowing that his family was well taken care of.

Susan's role as a stay-at-home mom was not always easy, but it was a labor of love. She was dedicated to creating a home where her husband and children felt loved, supported, and secure. She was always there for her family, providing them with emotional support and encouragement. She also made sure that the home was a place where everyone felt comfortable and welcome.

The stable and loving home environment that Susan created was a major factor in Merlin Olsen's success. It allowed him to focus on his career knowing that his family was well taken care of. It also gave him the emotional support and encouragement he needed to achieve his goals.

The connection between "Home life: Susan was a stay-at-home mom for many years, creating a stable and loving home environment for her family." and "merlin olsen wife" is a reminder of the importance of family. A stable and loving home environment is essential for the success of any individual, and it is especially important for those who are pursuing a career in the public eye.

6. Legacy

Susan Olsen's work with the Merlin Olsen Foundation is a testament to her dedication to her husband's legacy and her commitment to helping others. The foundation was established in 1988 by Merlin and Susan Olsen to provide financial assistance to retired NFL players who are in need.

• Providing Financial Assistance: The Merlin Olsen Foundation has provided millions of dollars in financial assistance to retired NFL players who are struggling to make ends meet. This assistance has helped to improve the quality of life for many retired players and their families.
• Promoting Health and Wellness: The Merlin Olsen Foundation also promotes health and wellness among retired NFL players. The foundation provides funding for health screenings, educational programs, and other initiatives that help to improve the health of retired players.
• Honoring Merlin's Legacy: Susan Olsen's work with the Merlin Olsen Foundation is a way for her to honor her husband's legacy. Merlin was a generous and compassionate man who always wanted to help others. Susan's work with the foundation is a continuation of Merlin's legacy of giving back to the community.

Susan Olsen's work with the Merlin Olsen Foundation is an inspiration to others. She is a role model for those who want to make a difference in the world. Her work is a reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter how big or small.

FAQs about "merlin olsen wife"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Merlin Olsen's wife, Susan.

Question 1: Who was Merlin Olsen's wife?

Merlin Olsen's wife was Susan Wakeland Olsen. They were married for 48 years, from 1962 until Merlin's death in 2010.

Question 2: What was Susan Olsen's role in Merlin's life and career?

Susan Olsen was a loving and supportive wife, mother, and community member. She played a vital role in Merlin's life and career, providing him with emotional support and encouragement. She also created a stable and loving home environment for Merlin and their children.

Question 3: What is Susan Olsen's legacy?

Susan Olsen's legacy is one of love, support, and dedication. She was a devoted wife, mother, and community member. She also continues to honor Merlin's legacy through her work with the Merlin Olsen Foundation.

Question 4: How can I learn more about Susan Olsen and her work?

There are several ways to learn more about Susan Olsen and her work. You can visit the Merlin Olsen Foundation website, read articles about her, or watch interviews with her.

Question 5: What are some ways to honor Susan Olsen's legacy?

There are many ways to honor Susan Olsen's legacy. You can donate to the Merlin Olsen Foundation, volunteer your time to help others, or simply be a kind and supportive person to those around you.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Merlin Olsen's wife. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the Merlin Olsen Foundation.

Susan Olsen was an amazing woman who made a significant impact on the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

To learn more about Merlin Olsen and his wife, Susan, visit the Merlin Olsen Foundation website: https://www.merlinolsenfoundation.org/

Conclusion

Susan Olsen, the wife of Merlin Olsen, was a remarkable woman who played a vital role in her husband's life and career. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, and community member. She created a stable and loving home environment for Merlin and their children, and she was always there for him, through good times and bad.

Susan Olsen's legacy is one of love, support, and dedication. She was a devoted wife, mother, and community member. She also continues to honor Merlin's legacy through her work with the Merlin Olsen Foundation. Susan Olsen is an inspiration to us all. She shows us that we can all make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small.

We can honor Susan Olsen's legacy by following her example of love, support, and dedication. We can be kind and supportive to those around us, and we can volunteer our time to help others. We can also donate to the Merlin Olsen Foundation to help retired NFL players who are in need.

Together, we can make a difference in the world and honor the legacy of Susan Olsen.