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William “Bill” Olson

William Kenneth “Bill” Olson, age 91 of Hudson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 13, 2015 at Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living in Hudson.

Bill was born on February 7, 1924 in Hudson, to parents Frank and Anna (Peterson) Olson. He was born one minute after his identical twin brother, Bob. The boys and their sister, Frances, were raised in the Hudson area. Bill and Bob excelled at sports and became know as “The Twin Stars” for their abilities on the football field and basketball court. The Olson twins graduated from Hudson High School in 1942. They became students in the Navy ROTC program at Hamline University, in St. Paul, MN. While at Hamline University, Bill met Marion Schmid while working at the Quality Tea Room cafeteria on Snelling Avenue. The couple dated and became engaged before Bill was sent off to war. Bill was eventually commissioned as an Ensign and during WWII served as an officer on a LST (Landing Ship, Tank). Bill returned home from war and married Marion on December 28, 1946 at the Church of St. Columba, near the Hamline University campus, in St. Paul. The couple moved to Hudson and were blessed with four children. Bill worked for the Great Central Insurance Company; starting as an Underwriter and working his way up to become the Regional Vice President, retiring in 1977.

Bill had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. He was a Charter Member of the Hudson Country Club and liked to hunt and fish, locally and in Canada.

Bill will remain in the hearts of his children, Bob (Kathy) Olson of Hudson, Jim (Sue) Olson of Circle Pines, MN, and Peggy (Paul) Reitano of Hudson; grandchildren, Jessica (Tedd) Spencer, Lisa (Jason) Nell, Chris (Jodi) Olson; Bill (Aimee) Olson, John Olson, Philip Olson; and Nick Reitano; great-grandchildren, Payton, Sydney, and Carson Spencer; Gracie and Chloe Nell; Jack, Anna, and Sam Olson; Ben and Katie Olson; former wife of 40 years, Marion Olson of Hudson, special friend, Donna Coulter of Hudson; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Tom Olson; his parents; sister, Frances Engstrom; and identical twin brother, Bob Olson.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South 11th Street, Hudson, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

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