WAKEFIELD, Mich. – William "Bill" Olson, 70, of Wakefield, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on March 9, 1954, in Wakefield, to the late Vernon and Luella "Lolly" Olson.

Bill graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1972. He continued his education and graduated from Gogebic Community College.

Bill worked for the city of Wakefield in the water department for 35 years.

In March 1985, he married the love of his life, Patti Zilinsky, of Ewen.

Bill loved to be out in the woods hunting, going fishing, camping and traveling, but most of all he loved spending time with family and friends and his dog, Ellie. He was very proud of his kids. He always told Patti, "We raised them right." They were the light of his life.

Papa shared many special memories with his three grandkids, Addison, Gavin and Leana. Their favorite memory of him was he always had candies in his pockets.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patti; a daughter, Kasey (Harold III) Stein, Stanley, Wisconsin; a son, Marcus (Samantha), Ironwood; three grandchildren, Leana, Addison and Gavin; three sisters, Marsha Vestich and Patty (Arlen) Pensala, both of Wakefield, and Brenda Rengo, Cloquet, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill will be missed by his family very much.

Cremation will take place.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673, 605 W. Lead St., in Bessemer.

In memory of Bill, he was always in a flannel, so please wear a flannel and a baseball hat.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.