Alfred Henry Olmstead

Alfred Henry Olmstead passed away peacefully at home June 13, 2011. He was born in Raber, MI on December 13, 1914, the son of Henry and Ella "Nellie" (Kelly) Olmstead. An adventurous soul, Al hitchhiked to Florida as a young man and worked there for a couple years. He worked in the CCC Camp known as Camp Forgotten. He was a Taxi Cab driver, but mainly worked as a body man at several shops in Sault Ste. Marie. He joined the Navy in 1942 and served in England during WWII. He loved to hunt and fish instilling this love in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Al was always proud of his garden and together with his Lady friend of 37 years; Audrey Piche, he canned veggies, apple sauce, and raspberry jam that many of you enjoyed. He and Audrey spent 35 summers in their camper at Sherman Park and everyone was welcome to visit or share a meal. He is survived by Audrey Piche, his friend for 37 years. (Audrey was considered "close enough grandma" to Al's grandchildren). Al is also survived by his twin sons: Lawrence (Marti) Olmstead and Gerald (Judy) Olmstead of Muskegon, MI; three daughters: Patricia (Dennis) Nelson of Escanaba, MI, Robin (Fred Farris) Lewis of Watertown, SD, and Jill Olmstead of Texas; grandchildren: Larry (Kelly) Olmstead, Mike (Christina) Olmstead, Jeff Olmstead, Amber (Brian) Smith, Craig (Leanne) Nelson, Brad (Christine) Nelson, Paul (Jessi) Nelson, Morgan (John) Razon, Lisa (Dave) Hallaver, and Jamie Stout; 25 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchildren with another one on the way, plus several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry in 1923 and Ella in 1977. Catherine Williams, the mother of Larry, Jerry and Pat in 1978, brother: Leo Olmstead; sister-in-law: Mary; sister: Dorthy Desarmeaux and her husband Joe, and daughter-in-law: Sandy Olmstead. A very special thanks to Al and Audrey's friends and relatives Karen and Tommy Garenflow, Sharon Jaros, Kenny McKerchie, and Gloria Ray for all their help and support during Al's illness. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 12:00 noon on Thursday 16, 2011 at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at noon with Father Sebastian Kavumkel officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. Memorials may be left to a charity of one's choice.

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Alfred Henry Olmstead

December 13, 1914 - June 13, 2011