Obit: Olejniczak, Lawrence Allen “Larry” (1937 - 2020)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Olejniczak, Witkus, Damski, Kortan, Jarocki, Leigh, Plumer, Johnson, Pogodzinski, Talaga, Koney

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home

Olejniczak, Lawrence Allen “Larry” (11 December 1937 – 16 September 2020) With Flag

Lawrence A. “Larry” Olejniczak, age 82, of Holcombe, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Mayo Health System in Eau Claire.

Lawrence Allen Olejniczak was born on December 11, 1937 in Kenosha, WI, the son of Michael and Veronica (Witkus) Olejniczak. At age 8, Larry's parents purchased the family farm and moved to rural Thorp, where he received his education. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy on October 6, 1955 and served until his honorable discharge on December 5, 1958. After completing his military obligation, Larry worked for John Koney driving bulldozer, and later worked at Thorp Finance.

He was united in marriage to Sarah Jean Damski on June 1, 1963 at St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin. After their marriage, they moved to Rochester, MN where Larry worked for Rochester Silo. They moved to Racine, where Larry worked for Walker Forge for a short time. He later returned to Rochester Silo and transferred to the Thorp plant as manager. After Rochester Silo closed, Larry worked at Leslie Marble in Thorp for 5-6 years, before starting his own company, Apogee Marble, in Cornell. Larry retired in 2005 and resided in Holcombe until his death.

He had many interests, but especially enjoyed vegetable gardening, hunting, fishing, water skiing, boating and Polka dancing. Most of all, he enjoyed playing concertina while Sarah played accordion at local nursing home and community events.

Larry was a member of St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church and the Thorp American Legion Post #118.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sarah, of Holcombe; 2 children: Angela (Scott) Kortan of Williston, ND, Lauren (Sheri) Olejniczak of New Holstein; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; one brother: Robert (Jane) Olejniczak of Withee; one sister: Sandra (George) Jarocki of Thorp; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his son: John J. Olejniczak; and one brother: Roger Olejniczak.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin, with Rev. Marion Talaga officiating. Pallbearers will be Tara Leigh, Andi Plumer, Jan Johnson, Sandra Jarocki, Lyn Pogodzinski, and Nancy Cunningham. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date in the parish cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Thorp American Legion Post #118. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, at the church, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.