William Dean Olson

William Dean Olson, April 9, 1931 - April 9, 2012 of Las Vegas, was born in East Chicago, Ind., to Carl and Rose Olson. He graduated from Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, Ind., and returned for many of their high school reunions, having the time of his life, meeting up with old friends and acquaintances. He was a Korean War veteran, worked for Sinclair Oil Refinery and then went on to be a police officer for the Hammond Police Department. He retired after 25 years as a lieutenant for the juvenile detective bureau. Bill and his wife, Virginia, visited his eldest daughter in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving in 1980 and two weeks later were making plans to move to the Las Vegas valley. Bally's Hotel hired him as one of their security guards where he worked for another 10 years and then retired. He had an uncanny ability to recite sports statistics from years ago to current time. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and attended many a game with his buddies in Indiana. In 1969, he coached and managed the first Indiana (Hessville) Little League State Champion All Stars. Being extremely religious, he recited his daily Novenas and Rosary for those who needed to be remembered in prayer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Rose; sister, Colette; brother, Tim; and great-grandson, Zachary. He leaves behind his devoted wife, of 59 years, Virginia; children, Nancy (Charles Vinnik, M.D.), Robert, Susan and Carol; grandchildren, Suzanne, Elizabeth, Michelle, Beth Ann, David and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Kailyn (3 years old, whom he adored), Parker (1 year old) and two other great-grandchildren on their way; sister, Patricia Lush (Gene); and multiple nieces and nephews and great friends throughout the entire country. There will be a celebration of William's life at noon, Friday, April 13, with Mass following, both at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, in memory of William Olson. Arrangements under the direction of Palm South Jones Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.