Saying goodbye to an Olsson Legend: Bill Glenn

William Charles Glenn

William (Bill) Charles Glenn, 82, of Aurora, IL, Ephraim, WI and Sanibel, FL passed away on the evening of Friday, August 20, 2021.

“Bill had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a gifted sense of humor.”

Bill was born in Aurora on February 14, 1939, an appropriate day for such a loving man. Everyone who knew him loved him, and freely shared that sentiment with him and his family. A man of wisdom and generosity, Bill had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a gifted sense of humor. He was the only child of William Daniel and Opal Wave (Tatham) Glenn. He graduated from East Aurora High School (Class of 1957) where he was an All-State athlete in football, basketball, and track. After graduation, Bill attended Dartmouth College and Tuck School of Business where he received both a B.A. and an M.B.A.  At Dartmouth, Bill was a member of the SAE fraternity, the football team, and the rugby club. Many of the friendships he found there lasted his entire life.

Following graduation, Bill proudly returned to his hometown to work for the family business, Olsson Roofing Company.  Bill went on to purchase Olsson from his parents, successfully growing it with his wife and his management team for over 40 years. Under Bill’s leadership until 2004, Olsson became one of the largest commercial roofing and sheet metal companies in the greater Chicagoland area since its inception in 1914.

Bill and Marjorie (Mardi) Willett were married on July 27, 1968 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Aurora. There, they were partners in life, supporting each other through work, family, faith, and community. Mardi was the love of his life, and he excelled at making her smile. They raised their three children (and many dogs, cats, and hamsters), before moving full time to Ephraim and Sanibel. Bill (or Poppe as his grandchildren called him) loved his family - both visiting and traveling with them to many wonderful locales. Some of their favorite trips together were to Italy, Greece, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Kauai’i. 

In his spare time, Bill was a skilled gardener - enjoying the process of planning and cultivating various different gardens at his home. He loved playing golf, boating and swimming. He was an avid reader, an American History buff, and a connoisseur of Robert Frost poetry.   Bill took great pride in his country and served in the U.S. Army National Guard.  He was an active civic volunteer and sat on many boards of various professional and non-profit organizations.  Bill was also known for his epic parties, dance moves, and 4th of July firework displays in Ephraim.

Bill is survived by Mardi his loving wife of 53 years; children, Susan Glenn (Roberto Rivera Martinez), Bill (Kristen) Glenn, and Sara Glenn (Brian Reinhardt); grandchildren, Logan and Duncan Smith, Will and Katie Glenn, and Griffin and Quinn Reinhardt; sister-and-brother-in-law, Nancy and Frosty Smith; three nieces and their families; and several cousins. Also, a loving grand dog, Izzy, who would often be at his side - especially at dinnertime. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Opal Glenn.

Donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office located at 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601.