William T. Olsen Sr.

William (Bill)  Theodore Olsen

York, Maine

The good, rich life of William Theodore Olsen ended peacefully on Saturday, May 1st. 

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Bill tranquilly entered the everlasting arms of God while relaxing in his favorite chair. His loving wife, Naomi entered the room, saw his quiet expression, and knew her beloved husband of 64 years was home at last. 

Bill was born in Erie, PA the son of Vera and Dwight Olsen. He was the oldest of two children and leaves behind his sister Mary Alice (Al)  Wnuk of Ormond Beach, FL. 

From the very beginning, Bill exhibited tenacity, drive, and a deep and wide faith in Jesus. As a child whose family lived through the great depression, Bill grew up fast. He helped his mom and sister and entered the Navy right out of high school.  He enjoyed the developing technology of the nuclear submarine world, and with deep determination secured a college degree while working full time and raising a family.   Retiring after 20 years of Naval service, he pivoted and finished out his professional career as a Nuclear Plant Inspector for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 

Bill met the love of his life through a Navy buddy who encouraged him to write to a winsome young woman named Naomi Grace Wagner. After some sweet correspondence, the couple met in Brooklyn, New York and an enduring romance began. Naomi and Bill were married on December 22, 1956. 

From this beautiful union six children were brought into this world. Debra DuPont ( David), Ruth Lund (John), William Olsen, Jr (Maureen), Brett Olsen, Bart Olsen (Tracey), Heather Bunn (Wesley). 

 The best was yet to come in their lives with the emergence of 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren! Grandchildren:  Mariel DuPont, Gabe DuPont, Amanda Lund ( Jason Casey)  Victoria Lund (Jon Stearns), Tad Olsen ( Sarah Bunting)  Bridget Olsen, Meghan Olsen (Luca D’Arsie) Bradley Olsen, Isaac Olsen, Isabella Olsen, Sophia Olsen, Anna Olsen, Nathan Olsen and Madison Bunn. Great grandchildren: Emmett and Weston Casey, Beau Stearns and Feya D’Arsie.  Bill was predeceased by his sweet granddaughter, Abigail Olsen.

Bill was a doer. He was quick to see a need and was quick to alleviate the problem. You could find Bill crafting a woodworking project for his family and friends, cultivating his beloved garden, whipping up a batch of Boston baked beans,  restoring a sailboat, assisting with audio and making coffee for his church family, or playing golf at York Country Club. Bill’s idea of down- time was to create or repair something for someone he felt tender toward, often with the Red Sox on the radio in the background. 

Bill was a remarkable man. He was one who loved and prioritized his family and friends. Bill was lovingly devoted to Naomi, and their decades-long marriage was blessed by the presence of God.  Bill tried to live by example, and his example to the world was to love God and to love others. He was motivated to serve others in the small and the big things… and all who knew him noted that God was the strength and the north star of his life. Bill truly was a man after God’s own heart. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Children’s Ministry at Bethany Church-Kittery Point, Maine.  www.bethanychurch.com/give/ or mailing address:

500 Breakfast Hill Rd.   Memo: KP Kids Ministry

Greenland, NH 03840

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, May 11th in the First Parish Cemetery, 180 York Street, York, Maine. 

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