William Martin Olsen

     William Martin Olsen, 95 years of Sister Bay, was called home Wednesday afternoon, July 31, 2024 while at Serenity Spring Senior Living.

     He was born December 15, 1928 in Racine and adopted by the late Samuel and Mary (Anderson) Olsen. Bill graduated from Waukegan Township High School. On January 11, 1947 he married Bessie “Betsy” W. Scoggin at Immanuel Baptist Church in Waukegan, IL. Betsy preceded him in death on March 19, 2022.

     For 39 years Bill worked at Great Lakes as a glazer and later superintendent of buildings and grounds for Waukegan Schools, North Chicago and Wauconda School districts. Prior to moving to Sister Bay, Bill rehabbed 13 homes in Illinois. He and Betsy were flippers of homes before it was a ‘thing.’ This allowed them to make multiple trips to Europe because they loved to travel. They moved to Sister Bay in 1991. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church in Sister Bay. His faith and his family were primary in his life. Along with his love of music, he was a good singer. Blessed with excellent hand and eye coordination, Bill was an avid low handicap golfer, 270 average bowler, softball player, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

     Survivors include his two children, Rebecca Weiss of Sister Bay, Barry (Pam) Olsen of Sister Bay; two grandsons, Joshua of Sister Bay, Matthew (Amy) Olsen of Hudson, WI, and foster granddaughter, Laura (Brian) Wilson of Zanesville, Ohio; three great-grandsons, Daniel, Joseph, and Samuel.

     Preceding him in death were his parents, Samuel and Mary Olsen; two brothers, Robert Hoyer, Martin Hoyer; two sisters, Hollis Taylor, Marie Bruce; and son-in-law, Larry Weiss.

     A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Sister Bay with Rev. Mark Billington officiating. Private burial will be at Little Sister Cemetery.

     Friends may call Wednesday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

     Memorials in Bill’s memory may be directed to First Baptist Church in Sister Bay.

     Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay is assisting the Olsen family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of William may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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