"As a 'youngster' I set pins at the old bowling alley on SE 1st St in Washington operated by Bill's dad Ole who was a pilot and created in me a desire to fly (a fact I did later on and enjoy to this day). I remember Bill quite well and remember him as a friend..............Rest in peace my friend."
In loving memory of
William G. Olsen
November 5, 1942 - December 14, 2017
William G. “Bill” Olsen, 75,of Washington died at peace at home surrounded by his beloved wife and his five girls.
Bill, known to others as Mountain or Big Bill, was born on November 5, 1942 in Washington, IN to A.S. “Ole” Olsen and Jeanette Batt Olsen.
He attended Kentucky Military Institute then graduated from Washington High School in 1960. After high school he worked at his family’s Bowling Lanes while attending Vincennes University and Evansville College.
As a young man he could be found working at his parents’ bowling alley which helped him accomplish a national title by age 12. He was also 1955 and 1956 State Soap Derby Champion. One grand prize was a bicycle, which he gave to a boy in need. He then took his talent to the sky where he became a solo pilot exactly at midnight on his 16th birthday. He also held a football kicking record at WHS for over 35 years.
He started his financial career at Credit Thrift then Citizens Bank & Trust Co, United Southwest Bank, then Old National Bank, and retired with First Federal Bank. Bill played a critical role in the Washington JayCees where he spearheaded the annual JayCees Swim Meet and treasured his friendships from the Tuxedo. Despite the fact of Bill being an only child, he quickly adapted to the roll of father to five daughters, he became a man amongst woman in his family. He was a father figure to many. His door was always open for advice or guidance. His wealth was not his bank account but his lifelong friendships. He led by example to being a man of his word and would always show up where there was a need.
Bill is survived by his wife, M.Carol (Williams) Olsen whom he married Oct 1963, daughters Christine (Rob) McCormick of Washington; Sara (Brian) Schnieders of Tampa, Florida; Anna (Kevin) Kroeger of Washington; Bridget (Zack) Raines of Cumming, Georgia; Erika (Jason) Marino of Cumming, Georgia; Grandchildren Kyle Schnieders, William, Joe, Abigale and Margaret McCormick; Caroline and Olsen Kroeger; Nolan and Will Raines; Molly, Evan and Andrew Marino and great granddaughter Ryan Rhoads. He is also survived by his cousin, Debbie Batt Fulton, his Aunt Kay Batt, and many loved nieces and nephews and longtime friends.
Visitation will be at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Sunday 2:00 -5:30 PM, followed by a wake service. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Washington Hatchet Football for needed equipment 608 E Walnut Washington, IN 47501 or to Good Samaritan Hospice Care 520 S Seventh Street Vincennes, IN 47591.
We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
Tributes
"Bill had the warmest heart and we were so blessed to be next-door neighbors. My parents, Libby and Robert Lord, considered all of the Olsen's as "family" and cherished every Olsen and offspring."
"Dear Anna and family. Sending you prayers and hopes for comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely, Lisa"
"MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU LOVELY WOMEN & YOUR FAMILIES. i AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. "FLO ""
"Love to all. Uncle Bill was always so good to all. He will be missed."
"My deepest, heartfelt condolences on your loss. I so saddened to learn this news. May the Lord bless you richly during this time with the sweetest of memories and tributes. I wish I could give everyone a hug in your family and please know that I love you and have such sweet memories ..."
"Carol, Sara and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"It has been a long time since the bowling alley days my friend. May God keep you in His eternal life. May he give strength to Carol and the girls and children"
"So sorry to hear the news. My prayers go out to Carol and to the family."
"Billa gentle giant, never judged, always generous with his help and wisdom, a loyal husband, father, and friend. Bill was true north. He will be missed, but he has left a legacy of love. And I thank Carol, Christine, Sara, Anna, Bridget, and Erika for sharing him with us."
"Stan and I are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was such a great person, he will be greatly missed. Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls and the rest of the family . There are not enough words to express the impact that he has had on Washington. Not only your family but Washington has loss a great man."
"John and I would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of of a loving father and husband. May your soul and heart find comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared. Prayers and Blessings, John and Linda Buckley"
"My condolences to the Olsen family. Prayers for peace & strength for you all."
"Such a wonderful family. Loved working with him at the bank. If I was cold he would say you just need to work a little harder. Condolences and prayers as you make it through these difficult days"
"Please accept our condolences in the passing of Bill! He was a great guy and loved his hometown. Loved working with him in the home mortgage industry! Prayers for all the Olsen family!"
"My deepest sympathy may he rest in peace."
"Carol and Family, Although I did not know Bill personally, I recall and cherish the many wonderful stories Stephanie Buzan Walton related to us regarding your family and the relationships the Buzan and Olsen families shared. "God is the master weaver, and only He knows when the tapestry is complete." You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers."