Bruno Olechnowicz Jr.'s Obituary
Bruno Olechnowicz, Jr. age 86, went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at his home in Grand Haven. He was born April 22, 1937, in Grand Haven, to Bruno and Anna (Klimo) Olechnowicz. On November 5, 1960, he married Sophie Szymas, at St. Anthony Catholic Church and they shared over 63 wonderful years together.
Bruno served as an Ottawa County Sheriff’s Deputy for 27 years. He was a master gardener and farmer, allowing only a select few into the garden to help. Bruno also enjoyed baking, canning, and his “coffee clutch”. He loved going to the cabin in the U.P., which he helped build years ago, and was even able to harvest his buck this past fall while up there. He was a lifelong active member of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church, also volunteering for the food pantry, and LOVE in Action.
Bruno is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sophie Olechnowicz; five children: Janice (Greg) VandenBrink, Kathleen (Jim) McManus, Bruno (Lindy) Olechnowicz, Jr., Mike (Julie) Olechnowicz, and Marcia (Mike) Guzman; nine grandchildren: Nick (Melanie) VandenBrink, Heather (Andy) Beck, Luke (Hannah) Olechnowicz, Bradley Olechnowicz, Staton Fairfield, Lawson (Jordan) Fairfield, Sophia McManus, Selia McManus, and Brooke (Adam) Bellfy; nine great-grandchildren: MaKenna VandenBrink, Khloe VandenBrink, Hudson VandenBrink, Brooklyn Beck, Vera Olechnowicz, Dottie Olechnowicz, Addison Bellfy, Ava Bellfy, and Ainsley Bellfy; his sister, Anielia “Sweetie” Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Michael Olechnowicz, Richard Olechnowicz, Joe Olechnowicz, and John Olechnowicz; his sister-in-law, Judy Olechnowicz; brothers-in-law, Wayne Wilson and Jack McCarthy; and great-grandson, Brennan VandenBrink.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon, Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Rev. Dan Schumaker as Celebrant. Friends may meet the family from 10:00 a.m., until the Mass begins at church. Interment will be in Robinson Township Cemetery. The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 is honored to serve the Olechnowicz family. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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