WILLIAM C. OLSEN William C. "Bill" Olsen, age 82, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, passed away on July 19, 2011 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in New Richmond, WI, but spent most of his life in Palm Beach County coming to the area in 1959. After graduating high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed in Key West. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in Korea and Japan. After returning to the states, he later attended Virginia Tech graduating in mechanical engineering. Bill worked for Pratt Whitney until 1964 when he accepted a position with the Navy Mine Defense Lab in Panama City as a diver with SEALAB. In 1967, Bill began his stellar career as the Program Manager of the U.S. Navy Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) at Andros Island, Bahamas, where he established training and certification programs for U.S. Navy Seals, and, assisted with submarine testing and exercises, retiring in 1998. Bill was a founding and charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Palm Beach Gardens. Upon his retirement, Bill was an active volunteer at the V.A. Medical Center, MacArthur State park, and the City of Palm Beach Gardens Beautification Committee as well as working at Roger Dean Stadium during spring training. Bill loved being around and helping others. He was a talented wood worker maintaining membership in the Palm Beach County Woodturners and National Association of Wood Collectors. Bill was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Laverne; and his children, Vanessa Hewko (Eric) of North Palm Beach; Bill Olsen Jr. of Palm Beach Gardens; Saen Olsen (Laena) of Palm Beach Gardens; and, Kris Olsen (fiance, Michelle Underwood), of Andros Island, Bahamas; his grandchildren, Adam, April, Heather and Hillary Hewko; Ryan and Jared Olsen; his brothers, Troy Hansen of Colorado Springs, CO, and John Cook of Mauston, WI. Relatives and friends are invited to Bill's memorial celebration at 10:30 AM, Monday, July 25, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 9625 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL to be followed by services at 1:15 PM at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 So. State Road 7 (Highway 441), Lake Worth, FL. Memorial donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and/or Hospice of Palm Beach County. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries