Joseph S. Oleniczak, age 93 of Free Soil, Michigan died early Saturday morning, October 21, 2023 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

He was born on May 19, 1930 in Manistee, Michigan son of the late Joseph B. and Selma (Zatarga) Oleniczak.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from August 13, 1951 until August 29, 1952. After his discharge, Joseph served with the Army Reserves until August 16, 1967 with the rank of Captain.Joseph married Estelle M Sielski on September 14, 1955 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan.  Estelle preceded him in death on November 20, 2006.

He was employed in the Auto industry and General Motors until 1973, when Estelle and Joseph returned to the Manistee area (his hometown). Joe was then employed with Jared Industries, Clark Equipment, Michigan Tool, retiring from Packaging Corporation of America in Filer City, Michigan in 1991. He enjoyed spending time with his family, as well as being an avid outdoorsman. He was active with the Grant Township Zoning Board up until the present time.  He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish (Guardian Angels Catholic Church).

Joseph is survived by three daughters & two sons-in-law, Nancy & Pete Sturgul of Ironwood, MI, Mary Oleniczak of Brighton, MI and Joan & Roger Thomas of Grand Haven, MI, his grandchildren, Joseph & Erica Krajkiewcz, Peter & Heather Krajkiewcz, Jessi Arkwright and her daughter Estelle, Leanne & Caleb McKelvey and their children, Kaitlyn and Ashton, Sophia Thomas, Victoria & Rory Hanrahan and their son Lewis & Rebecca Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Estelle (Sielski) Oleniczak, his parents Joseph Bernard Oleniczak and Selma (Zatarga) Oleniczak, his sister Dorothy Tozer and his brother Donald Oleniczak.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Mitchel Roman celebrant.

Burial will follow at Grant Township Cemetery in Freesoil, Michigan, where members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad, will present military honors.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday morning one hour prior to the funeral mass.

Memorials have been established in Joseph's name for the Guardian Angels Catholic Church Restoration Fund of Manistee and the Mason County Sheriff's Association.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.