Bill Olson, a devoted family man and beloved educator, coach, and mentor, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85. Born in Leigh, Nebraska, to Elsie and Oliver Olson, Bill grew up in Fremont, Nebraska, where he graduated from Fremont High School in 1957. A standout athlete, he earned All-Conference honors in football, setting the stage for a lifetime of achievements in sports.

Bill attended Hastings College on football and baseball scholarships, where he was a guard for teammate and friend Tom Osborne. He earned letters in both football (3 years) and baseball (2 years), and met the love of his life, Sandra Cassell, whom he married in 1960. Bill later transferred to Midland Lutheran College, where he captained both the football and baseball teams and earned All-Conference honors in both sports.

In 1962, Bill began his teaching and coaching career in North Platte, Nebraska, where he served as an assistant football coach and head coach of American Legion baseball. In 1966, Bill and Sandra moved to Scribner, Nebraska, where Bill taught math and became the Head Football and Track Coach, as well as the American Legion baseball coach for Fremont.

Bill’s career took him to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1968, where he taught math and coached football, baseball, and track at Lewis Central High School. In 1972, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to become the head baseball coach at Northwest High School, also serving as an assistant football coach until his retirement.

Bill was much more than a coach; he was a mentor who inspired his students and athletes to give their best. His work ethic and dedication created a lasting legacy in the lives he touched.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Sandra; their children, Gregg (Jill) and Tammi (Justin); grandchildren: Brett (Savanne), Brooke, Jakob, Ashley, Jocelyn, Ryan, and Sydney; and great-granddaughter, Charli.  He is also survived by his siblings, Bob (Carol) and Ilene (Larry), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill’s legacy will live on in the memories of his family, students, and athletes. His love for teaching, coaching, and family will always be cherished.

Please join Family and Friends for a CELEBRATION of BILL’s LIFE: Monday, May 5, 2025, 2:00 PM, Relevant Community Church, 21220 Elkhorn Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

Reception to Follow. Family requests guests wear their favorite jersey to remember Coach.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting StellaOlsonfoundation.org.

To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” at the top of the home page.

Source: https://heafeyheafey.com/oliver-william-olson/