Erik Olsen

Erik Olsen, 70, of Basom, NY arrived at his Heavenly home on November 17, 2025. Erik spent his final days on earth surrounded by his family’s love and music.

Erik was born on February 12, 1955 to Oddmund and Evelyn (Hale) Olsen in Sharon, Connecticut. He moved to Basom as a child and lived on Sour Springs Road with his parents and siblings. Erik spent many years working on his uncle Addison Prindle’s farm in Connecticut and has shared many stories about his experiences there. He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School, Class of 1973. On April 20, 1974, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Fry, and together started their family legacy.

Proverbs 22:6 - “Start children off on the way they should go, even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”

Erik worked for Pepsi/Next Generation/Crickler Vending in Batavia for the Houseknecht family for 48 years. During this time, he preached in a number of church settings, held seminars, started a Bible study and held Sunday services in his home before opening the East Shelby Community Bible Church in 1988, where he faithfully preached for 35 years. Erik’s congregation grew from a small group of 30 into a family of over 200 people in attendance each week. His most important purpose and life legacy was preaching the gospel and bringing the word of God to everyone that he could.

Mark 16:15 - “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”

Erik enjoyed spending time with his family and his church family. He especially loved leading his church choir and bringing music and joy into the lives of others. He held Christmas near and dear to his heart, and adorned his home and church in as much Christmas as he could. Erik was known for bringing in a 17-foot-tall Christmas tree into the church sanctuary every year, which his congregation will continue to do in the years to come. Erik’s father emigrated from Norway as a child and Erik loved his Viking heritage. This past August, Erik traveled with his family for the second time to Norway to visit his relatives. He was a Viking through and through, always stating “Never Give Up, Never Surrender”.

1 John 1:7 - “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Erik was predeceased by his father and mother, Oddmund and Evelyn Olsen; his sister, Linda Krogh; and his brother, Arnold Olsen.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Olsen; children, Heidi (Kevin) Pask and Levi (Amy) Olsen; grandchildren, Brie (Jonathan) Trembley, Eli Pask, Audrey Pask, Gideon Pask, Natalia Olsen, Elise Olsen, Lillian Olsen, Sadie Pask, Josiah Olsen and Adeline Pask; sister, Amy (Joseph) Macaluso; and numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews.

Psalm 145:4 – “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

Pastor Olsen’s memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 30 at 3:00pm at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 E. Shelby Rd., Medina, NY 14103. The service will be livestreamed at www.eastshelbychurch.com. Out of respect for the family, his interment will take place privately in the East Shelby Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to his church at the address above. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.