Willard "Bill" Olson

Willard “Bill” Gordon Olson, 67, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on June 25th, 2025.

Bill was born on May 22, 1958, in Minneapolis, MN. He and his family moved to Albert Lea, MN, in 1965 when his father purchased Bill Olson Chevrolet. After graduating from Albert Lea High School, Bill attended the University of Minnesota before moving on to the General Motors Automotive School in Michigan. He returned to the dealership to work with his dad, eventually taking over and expanding the business. He then went on to various sales and business opportunities, most recently with Interim Healthcare Staffing.

Bill and his former spouse, Pamela, had a daughter named Brooke, whom they both adored. Though their marriage was not permanent, they remained friends. Bill met his wife Angie, and together they shared 28 years of marriage filled with resilient love and the natural highs and lows of a full life together.

Bill enjoyed being around water and loved taking his boat to various rivers and lakes. Fall was for tailgating and Gopher football, and in winter, he loved joining his family for downhill skiing. Becoming a grandfather was perhaps his greatest calling. Fondly referred to as “good time grandpa,” he doted on his two granddaughters, Addie and Winnie, and went the extra mile to bring them joy and wonder.

Bill had an extensive social life and truly enjoyed his family and friends. Even casual acquaintances received frequent calls just to “check in.” Ever the consummate host, he threw epic backyard feasts where the smoker took center stage. But friends knew to expect dinner at a time later than promised.

Bill was an unwavering optimist who was loving and generous in all ways. This was especially evident in the last few years after he was diagnosed with chronic heart failure. While he was doing extremely well, he was the first to sign up for various clinical trials, mostly to further help others with the same illness. Bill was an organ donor and was able to donate his eyes to help two people regain their sight.

Bill is survived by his wife Angie, daughter Brooke Olson Blair (Jimmy), and his granddaughters Adeline and Elowen Blair. Brother David Olson (Cris), sister Suzanne Olson, mother-in-law Betty Howell, brothers-in-law Bob Howell (Mary Jo), Jeff Howell (fiancée Tammy), nieces and nephews: Alex Scherber, Michael Olson (fiancée Jaimee), Justin Howell (Amanda), Amanda Howell (partner Joseph), Dylan Howell (Hallie), and Jillian Howell (A.J.).

Bill was preceded in death by parents Jean and Bill Olson, aunt Mary Shafenberg, father-in-law Troy Howell, and first wife Pamela Tischer.

Visitation will be at Bayview Funeral Home, 1415 State Hwy 13, Albert Lea, on Monday, July 7th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral will be held at Grace Christian Church, 501 West College St, Albert Lea, on Tuesday, July 8th, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. We ask that you wear bright colors (pink is encouraged!) to honor Bill. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Freeborn County Humane Society (https://www.freeborncountyhs.org/donate) or Grace Christian Church (https://www.graceoutloud.org/).

Due to connectivity issues, the service will be recorded and posted at a later date.