Obituary of Raymond Olesiak

Raymond Olesiak, 84, Sawyer, died Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at his home with his family by his side. He was born February 24, 1917 in Duluth, the son of Anton and Katherine (Paczinski) Olesiak. He grew up in Duluth and Brookston. He worked in the CC Camp in 1936 and 1937. In 1938 he moved to Sawyer where he was a dairy farmer and livestock dealer until he retired in the 90's. He married Lydia Kamunen on November 23, 1938 and they would have been married 63 years on their anniversary. Ray was a member of Farmers Union, was named the Carlton County 1986 Outstanding Farm Family of the Year and was a fire warden for 45 years. He loved to listen to country and polka music, going to the sale barns and enjoyed traveling. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Joe, Leo and Phil Olesiak; a sister, Theresa Wradizlo and an infant daughter, Kathleen. Ray is survived by his wife, Lydia of Sawyer; six daughters, Virginia (Darrel) Wickstrom of Barnum, Marilyn Kiehl and Sally Kelley, both of Cloquet, Barbara (Tim) Dahl of Wright, Gloria Olesiak of Mahtowa and Caroline (Dan) Switzer of Outing; three sons, Tim (Lorie) of Cloquet, Rick (Sue) of Cromwell and Fred of Sawyer; two sisters, Stella Hill of Lantana, FL and Violet (John) Odham of Wilmington, NC; a brother, Charles (Clarice) Olesiak of Wrenshall; 30 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Visitation was Friday, November 16, 2001 from 5 - 7 P.M. in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Visitation continued Saturday, November 17, 2001 from 10:00 until the 11:00 A.M. funeral service in Bethany Lutheran Church, Cromwell. Interment was in Sawyer Cemetery.