Bill Olson, a devoted family man and beloved educator, coach, and mentor, passed away peacefully
in his sleep at the age of 85. Born in Leigh, Nebraska, to Elsie and Oliver Olson, Bill grew up in
Fremont, Nebraska, where he graduated from Fremont High School in 1957. A standout athlete, he earned
All-Conference honors in football, setting the stage for a lifetime of achievements in sports.
Bill attended Hastings College on football and baseball scholarships, where he was a guard for teammate
and friend Tom Osborne. He earned letters in both football (3 years) and baseball (2 years), and met the
love of his life, Sandra Cassell, whom he married in 1960. Bill later transferred to Midland Lutheran
College, where he captained both the football and baseball teams and earned All-Conference honors in
both sports.
In 1962, Bill began his teaching and coaching career in North Platte, Nebraska, where he served as an
assistant football coach and head coach of American Legion baseball. In 1966, Bill and Sandra moved to
Scribner, Nebraska, where Bill taught math and became the Head Football and Track Coach, as well as
the American Legion baseball coach for Fremont.
Bill’s career took him to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1968, where he taught math and coached football,
baseball, and track at Lewis Central High School. In 1972, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to become the
head baseball coach at Northwest High School, also serving as an assistant football coach until his
retirement.
Bill was much more than a coach; he was a mentor who inspired his students and athletes to give their
best. His work ethic and dedication created a lasting legacy in the lives he touched.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Sandra; their children Gregg (Jill) and Tammi (Justin);
grandchildren Brett (Savanne), Brooke, Jakob, Ashley, Jocelyn, Ryan, and Sydney; and great-
granddaughter Charli. He is also survived by his siblings, Bob (Carol) and Ilene (Larry), along with
numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill’s legacy will live on in the memories of his family, students, and athletes. His love for teaching,
coaching, and family will always be cherished.