Charlene Olmstead

Charlene Ann Olmstead was promoted to glory on Monday, November 23, 2020. She was born February 1, 1930 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing Michigan to William and Mae Zieske and was the older sister of William Zieske, Jr. Charlene loved teaching. Her  career began at Lansing Everette School before moving to Lake Fenton Community Schools where she taught for over thirty years. She became a reading specialist and used creative ways to motivate her pupils to read. After retiring, she served on the Lake Fenton School Board for eight years and initiated the Lake Fenton Foundation in memory of her late husband. Charlene was married to John Francis Olmstead for 56 years. They met when he brought his sister JoAnn (her roommate) back to Central Michigan University after a break. The rest was history. Charlene and her roommate were lifelong friends and their families enjoyed vacationing together in the summers, visiting points of interest and National Parks all over the U.S. She is survived by three sons: Paul Michael Olmstead and his wife Anne, John M. Olmstead and his wife Ellen, and Daniel W. Olmstead and his wife Faith along with eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is fondly remembered by her family for her kindness, generosity, hospitality and community service. She lived in her words, ‘a full and wonderful life.’ She loved Jesus Christ and looked forward to being with him forever. Cornerstone Presbyterian Church was her home church where she enjoyed the fellowship of the ‘Prime Timers.’ She died at home having been surrounded by her large extended family who gathered to send her off with ‘We love you! See you later!’

A memorial service may be planned in the future and at a point when people can gather safely in order to celebrate her memory.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation on her behalf can be made to: Lake Fenton Community Schools Foundation, 11425 Torrey Road, Fenton, MI  48430 OR Love INC National, P.O. Box 127, Jenison, MI  49429.