Willis Olsen

Willis Osborn ("Will") Olsen died at the age of 84 on June 16, 2015. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Will was born in Sheboygan, the oldest son of Osborn & Bertha (Fostveit) Olsen. He attended grade school at Trinity Lutheran School and graduated from Central High School. In March of 1954, he married Arlene Starck, beginning a journey that would last more than 61 years. Arlene was his partner, his friend, his travel companion, and, most importantly as Will neared the end of his days, his faithful caregiver. Together they had four children. Will was employed for many years as a Production & Inventory Control Specialist at Hydraulic Tools Corporation. He ended his career in the Production Department at Schreier Malting Company. Will was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, which remained near and dear to his heart until the very end. He passed away secure in the knowledge that he was going home to be with his Heavenly Father. Will was an usher for many years at Trinity. He also participated on numerous boards and committees throughout the years, even serving as the President of the Congregation. Will also had a lifelong relationship with the Sheboygan YMCA. He served as a "Y's Man", on the Board of Directors and in numerous other capacities throughout his years. Will was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his Green Bay Packers (he was a proud owner!), the Wisconsin Badgers, the Milwaukee Brewers and the PGA Golf Tour. He enjoyed playing sports as well, with basketball, golf and racquetball ranking among his favorites. Will also loved to play cards - "friendly" games with Arlene, "friendly" games with other couples and also with his poker clubs. Later in life, he enjoyed time spent playing cards with dear friends at the Sheboygan Senior Center. Will is survived by his loving spouse, Arlene; his children, Sue (Tim) Grasse, Karen (Marty) Borresen, Sara Olsen and Greg (Jamie) Olsen; and his grandchildren Bryan (Anja) Dreps, David Grasse, Kevin Grasse, Erik Borresen, Andrew Borresen, Taylor Olsen, Emily Olsen and Evan Olsen. He is further survived by a sister, Gwen Olsen, a brother, Tom Olsen, a sister-in-law, Shirley (Dan) Moioffer, and a brother-in-law, Al (Barbara) Starck, along with other family, nieces and nephews. He loved his family dearly and was fiercely proud of this group. Will's funeral will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 Wisconsin Avenue in Sheboygan, on Saturday, June 20th. There will be a time for visitation with the family between 1:00 - 3:30 PM. The service will follow at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in Will's honor to benefit both Trinity Lutheran Church and Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School. Will's family would like to thank his pastors, John Berg and Tim Mech, for faithful visitation, for bringing Will Holy Communion and for sharing with him the "Good News" of the Gospel. Will's family would also like to thank his special friend, Bruce, for his care, compassion and friendship. Lastly, Will's family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Lynds and his staff, the Aurora Palliative Care Program and the St. Nicholas Hospice team for their loving care. He loved you all! Will was guided in life by his strong faith and carried himself with an easy-going manner. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be greatly missed.