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.