Dorland "Bill" Olson

1927 - 2022

At the age of 95, Dorland "Bill" Olson of North Platte passed away on Dec. 6, 2022. Dorland was born on May 9, 1927, in Aurora, to Einer and Minnie Olson. He spent his adolescent years in Marquette where he graduated from high school. Bill went on to play basketball at Grand Island Business College and worked at the local YMCA before earning his college degree. Upon graduation, Bill became employed as an accountant by various businesses across Nebraska. Bill was drafted into World War II and stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was a private in the U.S. Army before contracting diphtheria. As a result, he was deployed back into the U.S. until he recovered. On Christmas Eve 1955, Bill married Mildred Epler in Grand Island. Shortly after, they decided to move to Long Beach, California, for a short period. The couple then decided to make their home back in North Platte. Bill was employed by Central Nebraska Packing as an office manager until retiring. However, Bill continued working as an accountant and bookkeeper for local businesses well into his nineties. Bill was a member of First Assembly of God Church and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a regular at garage sales and auctions, always looking for antiques. Bill had great faith in God. He regularly enjoyed black coffee, old-fashioned sour cream donuts and peanut clusters. He loved his family very much and they loved him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; son, Bob Epler; sons-in-law, Chuck Johnson and Vic Janecek; his parents, Einer and Minnie; and sisters, Joyce Harris, Muriel Amick, Blossom Olson and Athens Crawford. Bill is survived by his children, Linda Janecek, Diane Johnson and Jeff Olson, all of North Platte; daughters-in-law, Betty Olson of Lincoln and Michelle Epler of North Platte; his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other family. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Service is at noon Friday, Dec. 16, at Odean Colonial Chapel with Pastor Gary Goodwin officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, and before the service on Friday, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.