William A. Olson

William A. Olson

August 05, 1934 - November 06, 2020

Obituary

3 ways To Join the Live Webcast: -scroll down to the events and Under the livestream service click on "Watch Event" -click on tribute wall above and select "watch now" -copy and paste this url into a web browser: https://youtu.be/7m9ah5xeNJI MOUNT HOREB-William “Bill” Olson, son of Albert and Mabel (Kurth) Olson, was born Aug. 5, 1934, and passed away on Nov. 6, 2020. A graduate of Barneveld High School, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served in the U.S. Army and was a successful florist, businessman and entrepreneur. On Aug. 23, 1969, he married Muriel Babler at the Swiss Church in New Glarus. In 1954, Bill started a flower business in the cellar of his family’s home on the farm. He went on to open his first shop in Barneveld, then moved to Mount Horeb in 1962. Bill also opened a shop in Madison but decided to concentrate on his Mount Horeb shop and its community. He was a well-known and highly respected florist who valued his employees and customers. Creativity, quality, customer service and integrity were his hallmarks. Bill brought beauty into people’s lives through his flowers and creativity. He was always kind, thoughtful and generous. Bill was a true “people person” who loved meeting and talking with customers and sharing his many jokes and stories. He was a gifted artist who contributed to and was recognized by the floral industry. Bill served in several positions, including president, of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Florist Association and was inducted in the WUMFA Hall of Fame. He was also an FTD Master Florist and served in many capacities at the regional level. Bill received the FTD Distinguished Service Award. He was also actively involved in his community including serving on the MARC Board of Directors and participating in Rotary. His love for Christmas resulted in his opening of a second business, Olson’s Christmas House in Mount Horeb, in 1979. In 1995, Bill received the Business Excellence Award from Madison Magazine. He always referred to this shop as his hobby. Bill’s love for all things Christmas is reflected throughout. Family was most important to him. Holidays and family picnics were Bill’s favorite times. He was dedicated to his family and his love and devotion were evident in all his actions. Bill was a life-long member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Barneveld. Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Muriel (Babler) Olson; sister, Judy Olson-Sutton; sister-in-law, Rhoda Staab; devoted colleague, Heidi Wittwer; a niece, nephews, dear cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mabel Olson; brother, Richard Olson; and brothers-in-law, Robert Sutton and Don Staab. Visitation will be held as a Drive-Thru, where visitors may greet the family from their cars at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. Friends and family who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Bill’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. A private burial will be held at White Church Cemetery in Barneveld. Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Mary’s Care Center for their compassionate care of Bill during the last five years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care 500 N. Eighth St. (608) 437-5077

Events

13
Visitation
Fri Nov 13, 2020 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care • 500 N. 8th St., Mount Horeb, WI 53572
14
Livestream
Sat Nov 14, 2020 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Lake Accotink Park • 5660 Hemming Ave, Springfield, VA 22151
No photos of William have been shared yet.
DR
Dianne Redsten
Other •
We are thinking of you.
DS
Dale M Schlimgen
Other •
Sending prayers for your loss Muriel, Bill was fun to talk to, and his stories he told me. Dale M Schlimgen your old Schwans driver
BB
Brian J. Bigler
Other •
Mount Horeb has lost another iconic business owner. When you have grown up in the area, much like the farms, buildings and landscape you have known, there is that expectation that certain people will be a consistent part of that fabric and that things will always remain that way. It is the comfort that comes from being part of that small-town experience. Bill and Muriel are a part of that expectation. Thank you to Bill and to you Muriel for your many years of devotion to making Mount Horeb a better place. Thinking of you now in your time of loss - Brian J. Bigler
RZ
Rosemary Zimmerman
Other •
He was nice to visit with. He had a lot of stories. Missed seeing him at Hilltop.
RR
Rev. Dr. Robert D. Sichta, retired
Other •
Bill Olsen was our friend. My wife and I spent so many happy times visiting with them, going to dinner together, and fighting over the check. He was totally self-effacing, and always ready with a wonderful story. In fact, we remember his first joke, told the day we met him, during which he let us know his stuttering did not deduct from his integrity and self-confidence by a fraction of an inch: A Bible salesman with a stutter knocks on a door and says, IIIII'm sellllling Biiiibles. Wwwwwould youuu like to buuuuy one orrr woooould you lllike me tttto reeeeead it to you? There are too many great memories to write without feeling both our hearts break. Thank you for all of them, Bill, most of all your friendship. We absolutely adored him, and he knew that. And God now has a great conversationalist and Congregationalist on board. Keep things bright in Heaven, Bill, till we see you there, again. Blessings and Love, Pastor Bob & Pia
CS
Char Smith
Other •
Sending sympathy to you, my dear Muriel! Rest in Peace, Bill.

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