John Olmstead

OLMSTEAD, John Francis, age 83 of Fenton Twp., died at Rockwell Memory Impaired, Saturday, August 4, 2007.  Mr. Olmstead was a long time resident of the Fenton area having previously worked at Lake Fenton High School as a guidance counselor for 25 years, retiring in 1987.  During his tenure at Lake Fenton High School, John directed the Key Club of Kiwanis International and the Junior Achievement programs for many years.  John was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 21, 1924, the son of Paul and Hazel (Bowen) Olmstead.  John and Charlene Zieske were married in Haslett, Michigan on October 14, 1950.  A graduate of Michigan State University, John served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, was an instructor of short course studies at Michigan State University, and president of the Counselor's Association of Genesee County for many years.  He also served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, was an elder at Tyrone Presbyterian Church, and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies.  Surviving is his wife Charlene, their 3 sons: Paul Michael Olmstead and wife Anne of Portland, Maine; John Martin Olmstead and wife Ellen of Powell, Ohio; and Daniel William Olmstead and wife Faith of Birmingham, Michigan.  There are 8 grandchildren: Anna, Mark, Jon-Michael, Carlin, Zachary, Samantha, John (Gus) and Joshua.  Also surviving are 3 great-grandchildren: Kayla, Ethan, Sebastian and a sister, Joanne Pietscher and her husband William of Caseville, Michigan.  John's family will receive friends at a  memorial visitation at the Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, on Friday, August 10, 2007 from 4 to 8 PM.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 10 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, Mancelona, Michigan or to the Alzheimer's Association.