William “Bill” Ohlsen, 68, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 7:56 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

  Bill was born on September 18, 1937 in Oak Park, IL, son of Raymond and Angeline Marker Ohlsen.  He was formerly married to Laila “Rusty” Olsen.  She preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bud Schultz;  and dog, Annie.

  He is survived by his son, Martin W. Ohlsen and his wife Jill of Evansville, IN; grandson, Ryan at home; three sisters, Shirley Rae and her husband Bill of Peoria, Charlotte Ragan and her husband Dave of Stendal, IN, and Barbara Poindexter of Peoria; brother, Robert Ohlsen and his wife Barbara of Decatur, IL; many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews;  and dog, Pal.

  Bill received his BA from Bradley University in Peoria and was a Certified Public Accountant.  He was the publisher of the Thoroughbred Observer, a horse racing publication.

  In younger years, Bill enjoyed sports, baseball statistics, reading and playing bridge.  Later in life, he enjoyed thoroughbred racing, ancient history, gardening, reading, and watching his son play sports.  Bill was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Jacksonville Jaguars (Deke Cooper #35) and the Chicago Bears.  He enjoyed North High School Huskies Football, where his son was a coach.  Bill enjoyed spending time at Bradley University, O'Brien Field and many Peoria restaurants.  He collected ancient coins and had one day hoped to open his own coin shop.

  Bill enjoyed traveling to Evansville, IN to visit his son and grandson and had hoped to visit the pyramids in Egypt.  His son's wedding and the birth of his grandson were the most important events in his life.  Bill will most be remembered for his vast knowledge and sense of humor.  He was a great father and mentor to his son.

  Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 10, 2005 at Swan Lake Memory Gardens Chapel Mausoleum, with the Rev. Dean Grabill officiating.  The services began with an audio clip of Ron Santo calling the play-by-play of a Cubs game.  Bill's son, Marty, and several family members and friends shared humorous stories of Bill's life.  With sports being so important to Bill, Pastor Dean showed how life is similar to sports - with a beginning, rules, and an end (with victory or defeat).  The services concluded with "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".  There was no visitation.  Inurnment was held at the mausoleum.  Family and friends gathered, after the services, at the residence of Bill and his sister, Barbara.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North High School Football Boosters, 4231 Clover Drive, Evansville, IN  47711.