William George Olson

William (Bill) George Olson, 92, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on June 3, 1933, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to the late John Miller Olson and Ann Stella Kloida Olson. He was one of six children and is now reunited with his brothers, Jack and Jerry Olson, and his sisters, Lucy and Idabel Bloom. His beloved sister, Jane Shaw, survives him and resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Just a month before his passing, Bill lost the love of his life, Jean Ann Olson, on June 10, 2025. They shared a rare and beautiful love that began when they were 15 years old and blossomed into 70 years of marriage, a love story marked by deep devotion, laughter, faith, and family.

Together, Bill and Jean raised five children: Scott Olson (Frances), Sarah Olson, Julie Vermillion (Carson), Jenny Jones (Brian), and Becky Thoms (Rudy). He was a proud and gentle grandfather to eleven grandchildren, Katelyn Patton, Jackie Burten, Grayson Vermillion, Brady Vermillion, Aiden Vermillion, Brandon Jones, Garrett Jones, Tanner Jones, Alyssa Thoms, Addison Thoms and Landon Thoms. He was a joyful great-grandfather to Abigail Patton, Mason Patton, Sadie Patton, Levi Patton, Samuel Patton and Kaia Burten. To them, he wasn’t just “Grandpa,” he was their storyteller, candy-stasher, quiet hero, and biggest fan.

Bill graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc and went on to St. Olaf College, where he studied Philosophy and English.

In 1956, he answered the call to serve, enlisting in the Army with the CIA. After two years, he felt a deeper calling to ministry and earned his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary. In 1961, he joined the Navy as a Chaplain, serving his country and his faith for 18 years. He served on the USS Camden, USS Dixon, and in Japan, Thailand, France and at bases in Virginia, North Carolina, and California. He also served bravely in the Vietnam War and was recognized with numerous awards for his valor and dedication. His decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal with one campaign star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with one campaign star and the Cold War Victory Medal. Also during this time, he earned a second master’s degree in Theology from Princeton University and authored The Charismatic Church, a book that reflected his passion for faith in action. In 1979 he was recommended to become Captain but chose instead to retire and settle in Charlotte, NC, with his family, where a new chapter of service began.

As a Lutheran Minister in Charlotte, Bill’s calm presence and compassionate spirit left a lasting imprint on all who crossed his path. He was a man of quiet wisdom whose sermons were filled with love, grace, deep understanding and always a relevant and captivating story. He had a special place in his heart for children, often pulling out his guitar to sing This Little Light of Mine, a tune many still carry in their hearts today.

When he wasn’t ministering, Bill could be found reading fictional war stories, listening to polkas, or carving his award-winning model ships with painstaking precision. A German Shepherd was never far from his side, and neither was a stash of Jolly Ranchers or gummy bears for any grandchild who came by. His ship models, lovingly detailed, were displayed in the Maritime Museum-true works of art that reflected his patience and craftsmanship.

Bill was a quiet soul, never one to boast or raise his voice, but his life spoke volumes. He was the kind of man who forgave easily, loved deeply, and always did what he believed was right. Fiercely loyal and endlessly kind, he lived his faith with humility and heart.

Most of all, he loved Jean. His purpose in life, he would often say, was to care for her and he did, tenderly and faithfully, until her final breath. Now, they are together again, hand in hand, beyond the Heavenly Gates they longed for all their lives.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and remembered always for the quiet strength and gentle light he brought into the world.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 8300 Providence Road, Charlotte. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Later, at 1:30 PM, Bill will be laid to rest with full military honors at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury.

Bill had a great love for animals and cherished each one of his pets and grandpets. Memorial donations may be made to a local foundation and rescue group, Carolina P.A.W.S; carolinapaws.com

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Olson family.