Deacon: Rev. Mr. William D. Olson
Bill Olson is married to Debra Kathleen (Manatt) and together they have two daughters, Gretchen Marie (born in 1971) and Ulrica (Uli) Kathleen (born in 1976). He has two brothers and two sisters, the children of Clarence M. and Rosemary (Koll) Olson of Storm Lake, where Bill was born on July 25, 1947.

Bill is, by secular vocation, a lawyer. Because of this, he is also one of the finest 'givers of the homily' around. Educated through the Sioux Rapids Community School, from which he graduated in 1965, he went on to earn a B.A. at the University of Iowa, majoring in political science with minors in economics and history. An M.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California has given him a keen interest into what's going on in the world around him and he uses that to great advantage when he speaks. He received his J.D. from the University of Iowa in 1981.

He served his country for twelve years, pulling three years of duty in Vietnam and six years in Europe. When he was released from active duty in April of 1979 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Two, he became a member of the individual ready reserve unit until 1996.

His church service includes:

  • Member of the Diocesan Social Action Commission since 1990;    chair since 2000
  • Member (since 1987) and Chair (since 1989) of the Diocesan    Council for Conciliation
  • Responsible for adult religious education at St. Mary's,    principally R.C.I.A.
  • Marriage preparation
  • Processing petitions for annulment
  • Preaching and sacramental ministry as it pertains to the    diaconate
  • Administration of the Parish Deacons' Fund

    Deeply involved in the community, as well, he is a member (and Chair from 1996-200) of Home Healthcare Advisory Board, Grinnell Regional Medical Center as well as a member (and Chair) of G.R.M.C.'s Bio-Ethics Advisory Commission. He has served in the past as a member of the Board of Directors of Poweshiek County Habitat for Humanity.

    Bill Olson was baptized on August 12, 1947; received First Eucharist on May 2, 1954; was confirmed on October 26, 1956; married on February 27, 1971, and was ordained deacon on June 2, 1984. His enthusiasm for his religion matches the spirited performance of his job as a Deacon at St. Mary's.

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