Roy L. Olovson Sr.

Roy Olovson, Sr. was an honest, hardworking man, dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. He was a man who desired little and was quite content in relaxing within the comfort of his own home. Roy found pleasure in many things, but nothing delighted him as much as spending time with his family and grandchildren. Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. Western movie star John Wayne was born in Iowa in 1907. In Muskegon, Michigan, on May 6, 1927, Roy L. Olovson was born, an event that would shape the future generation of his family. Roy was the youngest of two sons born to Bror and Elizabeth (Sternberg) Olovson. Tragedy struck the family shortly after Roy was born. In 1929, his father drowned while swimming in Mona Lake. Despite this terrible loss, the boys were able to enjoy their childhood growing up in Muskegon. Roy and Russell were close their entire lives, and were both very close-knit with their mom. She eventually remarried a man named James, who died in 1948. Sadly, Roys mother died two years later in 1950. Roy received his education in the Muskegon Public Schools and shortly after graduating in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He honorably served his country. Roy met his beautiful wife-to-be, Mary Corinti, at the Branstons Ice Cream Shop, where she worked. He was working as a mailman at the time and stopped for some ice cream. Roy and Mary soon fell in love and were happily married at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on July 10, 1948. Over the next several years, the couple was blessed with six wonderful children: Roy Jr. (1952), Joe (1954), Mike (1956), Diana (1960), Shirley (1962) and Marie (1963), who brought them great pride and joy. Roy was a wonderful provider for his family. After being a mailman, he went to work at Teledyne Continental Motors for a time before moving on to Morton Manufacturing. Roy then built and owned the Dog and Suds on Apple Avenue in Muskegon before starting on his next business venture, Basch Engineering in Fruitport, which he owned for 17 years. Although Roy worked hard as a businessman, there was nothing more important to him than his wife and children. Time together as a family was always important to Roy and Mary. Every year, they took a vacation either to West Lake or to the Jazdzyk's cabin at Round Lake. This usually occured during the 4th of July, where they always had great fun. One of the familys weekly traditions was to have tacos every Saturday . While their kids were growing up, Roy and Mary had an open door policy to their house, and all their kids friends were always welcome. Sometimes their childrens friends moved into the Olovson's for short periods of time. Frankly, Roy liked the hustle and bustle of activity. Even though their kids grew up and moved out, they were still close with their parents. After Roy retired in 1989, he and Mary enjoyed their leisure time together. Roy was a big John Wayne fan, but pretty much liked all western movies. In the kitchen, he loved to cook up something delicious for the two of them, but he was famous for his grilled chicken. Roy loved to go to Las Vegas, or spend some quality time with his brother-in-Law and good friend, Frank Jazdzyk. Roy had such a quiet, laidback personality that nothing really got him frazzled. Though on occasion, he might get upset enough to tell you he was going to send you to the moon. But that is about as bad as it got! Roy was simply a proud, hardworking man, who loved his family dearly, especially his wife Mary. He will be deeply missed by her and all of his family. Roy L. Olovson, Sr., age 80, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 16, 2007. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Mary; 3 sons: Roy (Joni) Olovson, Jr., Joe (Jeanne) Olovson, Mike (Gloria) Olovson, all of Fruitport; 3 daughters: Diana (Gerry) Yonker, Shirley (John) Kryfka, both of Fruitport, and Marie Yonker of Twin Lake; 12 grandchildren: Roy III, Anna, Jamiann, Matt, Michelle, Brian, Kali, Kyle, Cody, Carly, Rick and Kevin Lee, brother Russell's daughters Martha and Kathy Olovson. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Marilouise, and by his son-in-law, Kevin Yonker, Sr. A memorial gathering for Roy will be held on Wednesday, December 19, from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Fruitport Auditorium. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fruitport Lions Club. Please visit Roys memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.