Margaret R. Oleszczuk's Obituary
Mrs. Margaret Ruth (Geiser) Oleszczuk, age 94, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 12, 2014 at her home in Spring Lake, MI. She was born on a small farm near Battle Creek, MI on August 29, 1920 to Fredrick and Susanna (Newton) Geiser. When she was a young girl the family moved into Battle Creek, where her mother purchased a boarding house. Margaret soon began working and helping her mother run the family business. In her teen years she also held several other jobs, including stocking shelves at the local grocery, while she went to high school and business school.
In 1939, a handsome journeyman plumber was staying at the boarding house when he caught Margaret’s eye. It wasn't long before Michael asked for her hand and they married on April 29, 1941 at St. Johns Russian Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids. Their first daughter Suzanne was born in 1942. To serve his country during WW2, Michael joined the Army Corp of Engineers shortly after Suzanne's arrival. Margaret lived with her in-laws in Grand Rapids while Michael was away. Their son Michael Jr. was born in 1944. On Christmas Day, 1945, Michael came home from the service to begin life with his young wife and family. Together they began their journey in Grand Rapids, MI. Daughter Nena arrived in 1947 and Margaret began her passion of volunteering in the children’s school and her community. In 1952 their baby boy Greg completed the family. Shortly after Greg's birth Margaret and Michael bought Vander Waals and Troske Mechanical Contracting Business in Grand Rapids, MI. She was a busy stay at home mom, and helped in the business, when called upon. She was homeroom parent, President of the PTA, taxi driver to sporting practices, and musical events. She truly loved being a MOM. After their retirement, Margaret and Michael lived on Spring Lake during the summer and they would winter at Delray Beach FL where they continued to enjoy volunteering in the community, fishing, and boating. The couple also helped to start a Russian Orthodox Church in Lake Worth Fla. In 1966, the first of their seven grandchildren arrived. Margaret soon became busy driving Grandkids to sporting practice and musical events.
After her husband’s death in 1994, Margaret began living on Spring Lake year around. She was very active in the Fruitport Community, as a Friend of Fruitport and volunteering at the library, schools, and working in the senior citizens programs. She volunteered for over 15 years with Mercy Hospital in the gift shop and was an active member of the Greek Annunciation Orthodox Church in Norton Shores. She loved baking pastries for the Annual Rice Pilaf Dinner in the fall.
Watching the sunset, looking for deer, eating ice cream, gluing flowers on hats, exercising, gardening, feeding the birds and laughing at the turkeys, watching the Tigers, sharing dinners with family, reading newspapers, staying up on current events, and visiting with friends were her joys in life. She was a good listener and had sage advice to share. She was witty, intelligent, and her smile warmed many a sad heart. People that had the pleasure of knowing Margaret, loved her.
Grandma O. will be greatly missed by her family. She was the cornerstone. She had deep connections with her grandchildren. The family was blessed to have her to call Mom, and Grandmother. The light has gone out that kept us all glowing.
Margaret is survived by her four children, Suzanne Oleszczuk of Frankfort, MI, Michael Jr. (Annette) Oleszczuk of St. Helena Island, SC and Grandsons, Michael III & Nick, Nena (Donald) Bondarenko of Frankfort, MI and Grandsons, Gregory (Trisha) and Alexander, Greg (Jeanine) Oleszczuk of Spring Lake, MI, and Grandchildren Leslie (Richardo), Peter (Alicia) and Reva and great-grandchildren Camila, Beila, Shane and Brent. She is preceded in death by her husband Michael A. Oleszczuk, her sister June and brother Newton.
The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the people at Oak Crest Manor in Spring Lake, MI. The staff, at Pebble Brook, were exceptional in their care and love for Margaret. We are very grateful.
FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 2:00 PM Monday, September 15, 2014 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St. with Rev. Richard Rhem officiating. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Suggested memorials are to North Bank Communities Fund or The People Center of Spring Lake. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
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