William Edward “Bill” Olson, age 84, of E 5204 Highway M-35 (Ford River Twp), passed away, Thursday afternoon May 14, 2009, at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
 
Bill was born June 12, 1924, in Escanaba, the son of Charles and Rose (Hardwick) Olson.  He was raised in Ford River and attended the Ford River school system.  Bill served in the United States Army, during the invasion of France, in WWII.  He was injured in action and received the distinguished Purple Heart for his courageous duty.  On January 27, 1943, Bill was united in marriage to Adrianna “Ann” Hurkmans, at Fort Jackson military base, South Carolina, where he was stationed, at the time.  Bill and Ann eventually made their home in Ford River.  Bill was employed for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad where he worked as a railroad supervisor.  He retired in the late 1980’s.  Bill was a member of the St. Joseph St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba.  In addition, Bill was a lifetime member of the DAV (Disable American Veterans) and the Escanaba AMVETS.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, driving his John Deere tractors and spending time with his son and grandsons.   
 
Survivors include:

Son:  Lee Olson of Escanaba, MI

2 Grandchildren:  William Robert Olson of Escanaba, MI; Dustin James Olson of Austin, TX

2 Brothers:  Robert Olson of Escanaba, MI; Raymond (Dorothy) Olson of Escanaba, MI

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
 
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rose, his loving wife, Ann, on October 11, 2008 and 2 brothers, Harold and James Olson. 
    
The Olson family will receive friends on Monday from 3:30PM to 5:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Military rites, honoring Bill’s years in the U.S. Army, will be conducted, at 5:00PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, by the Delta County Veteran’s Council.  Funeral services to celebrate the life of William “Bill” Olson will follow, at 6:00PM, at the St. Joseph St. Patrick Church with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating.  Luncheon will follow in the church parish hall.  Committal will take place at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.