Donald George Oleksinski's Obituary
Donald George Oleksinski, age 98, of Edmore, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019 at Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital Long Term Care in Lakeview. Donald was born on November 23, 1920 in Eagle River, WI, the son of John and Nellie (Uszarcek) Oleksinski. Donald was raised in Eagle River before moving to Michigan. He graduated from North Eastern High School in Detroit.
Donald married Grace Ellen Gregory on December 19, 1941 in Detroit. Shortly after their marriage, Donald was drafted during WWII into the United States Army, in which he served as a Radar Tech in the South Pacific. He moved from island to island until he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945.
Upon his return to civilian life, Donald settled into working as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the City of Detroit Dept. of Parks and Recreation until his retirement after 30 years in 1976. Donald enjoyed hunting and being independent. He was a member of the Sheridan VFW Post 5065 and St. Bernadette - St Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
Donald is survived in death by his children Barbara (Ronald) Cronan of Commerce Twp., Robin Grace (Brian) Miller of Milford, John Oleksinski of Riverdale, and DeeDee (Jeff) Corbett of Hamilton, OH; grandchildren Daniel, Robert, Mark, Matthew, Michael, Jefferey, Edward, Gracie, Aaron, Nicholas, and Greg; two great grandchildren Grace and Walter; his faithful companion Sadie (his dog) several nieces, nephews, friends, and church family.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Grace Oleksinski on Aug. 5, 2005; his parents John and Nellie Oleksinski; daughter Donetta Smith on Aug. 28, 1998; and three brothers.
In accordance with the families wishes, cremation has taken place. Military honors will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 2:30 in the afternoon, where Donald and his wife Grace will lay in state together.
In lieu of flowers please send your donations to
Montcalm Commission on Aging
613 N. State Street
Stanton Michigan 48888
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