Willard "Bill" Olson, 87, of Elk Mound, WI, stepped into his eternal life on Monday, February 10, 2014, after a courageous eight year battle with cancer. His journey here ended at home, surrounded by his wife and family. Willard was born in Stockholm, WI, on March 9, 1926. He grew up near Plum City, WI, on the family farm. Willard served two years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1947. Willard married Eleanor (Wilcox) Gray on January 25, 1958. He helped raise her two daughters, and they had two more daughters. Willard worked as a heavy equipment operator in his younger days, which led to a career driving semi, hauling mobile homes for over 25 years. He also owned a beef cattle herd and farmed for many years. Willard was a man who could fix anything, and was always willing to help others. He had a great love of family and enjoyed time with his loved ones. Being a grandfather brought him great joy. Willard was always a spiritual man, but grew much closer to Jesus throughout his illness. Willard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor; their four daughters, Sandra (Gray) Peterson, Dawn (Gray) Sedahl (Richard), Roxie (Olson) Anderson (Marv), and Lana (Olson) Anderson; twelve grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Roger Olson; a sister, Lois Freie; and a brother-in-law, Dean Kassera. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alice Olson; three sisters, Ruby Olson, Dorothy Olson, and Evelyn Kassera; a brother, Byron Olson; a brother-in-law, Marvin Freie; sister-in-law, Faye Olson; and a great-granddaughter, Ellie Peterson. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2014, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1310 Main St. in Eau Claire with Pastor Gail George officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Burial, with Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post #53, will be in Lakeview Cemetery. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Regional Cancer Center at Sacred Heart Hospital, for the wonderful care Willard received, and for making him feel so special and loved.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Saturday, February 15 2014 10:00 AM

Our Savior's Lutheran Church 1310 Main Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Funeral Service

Saturday, February 15 2014 11:00 AM

Our Savior's Lutheran Church 1310 Main Street Eau Claire WI 54701