John Stanley Olejasz

John Stanley Olejasz, age 91 of Harrison Township, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Michigan. He was born January 25, 1930 in Detroit, son of the late John and the late Blanche Bernice (nee: Glinski) Olejasz.

Following his path of education, John chose the field of pharmacy for his career and was ultimately hired by the A.J. Meyer Pharmacy in Detroit. He would spend many years there until deciding to change things up a bit. If you knew John, then there was no mystery that he loved to engage others in conversation. So it made perfect sense that his next career choice was embodied in the realm of sales where he was given the opportunity to get out in the field and tout his products to many of the doctor’s offices throughout the southeastern area of Michigan. He would spend a few more years there before ultimately securing a sales position that he grew to love and appreciate with the United States Chamber of Commerce. Being a patriot and a person who was always mindful about the state of affairs within our country, he was proud to introduce the many benefits that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had to offer the businesses who were not yet members. For this “engaging conversationalist,” John loved bringing them all the opportunity of making a difference in their community, and he enjoyed the fact that he made new friends every day,…with some of them growing into wonderful relationships. From there, John would enter the world of retirement and life as a Golden Warrior.

But life as a retiree didn’t last long so he went to work part-time with the iconic nursery family at Wiegand’s in Macomb Township, Michigan. Along with serving as one of the support staff, John’s biggest hat was the one he wore by being entrusted with the care and operations of the Fish & Pond Shop at the nursery. Gaining the knowledge required to help the store’s customers, John took ownership of his duties and the shop was like his home-away-from-home. He found great reward in helping to assist and design the many ponds that now populate many residences throughout Michigan. He loved that job and worked well into his late 70’s until his body began talking back to him and said no more.

When John wasn’t working, he did manage to enjoy a number of pastimes that helped bring a little balance to life. In his earlier years, one of these was enjoyed in the sport of bowling,…a game in which he loved participating both in league play and recreationally as well. He not only thrived on the competitive nature that accompanied the leagues he bowled in,…but also enjoyed the pleasures and fun that ensued with a game or two down at the alley with friends. The other sport that filled some of his pastime pleasures was found in the game of golf. Another sport that John excelled in, there was a moment in his life that golfing scouts were actually taking a hard look at his performance and mulling over the consideration of offering him a career as a Pro. But for one reason or another, that didn’t pan out,…but he would go on to enjoy the sport, again, in both league play and recreationally alike. Always in search of that elusive Hole-in-One, John truly golfed like a Pro and could hit the ball like the iconic John Daly.

John was also instilled with the heart of a landscaper, skills that were never more evident than right at home. From the completion of his home construction in the early 70’s to just a couple years ago, John was an integral part of all the designing, planting and landscaping that adorned his residence, both front and back. Once mature, John’s yard was like something out of Home & Garden magazine, with many varieties of trees and shrubs that were quite unique and attracted the attention of the many who passed by his house,…some of whom would actually stop to inquire about some of his more distinctive choices. If you know the house, then that “swamp thing” in the front yard was probably the most popular of all, and he loved every opportunity he was given to talk about his tree. Of course, none of it all would have been possible without the helping hand he received from his bride of 41 years, Joan. It was always precious to watch the both of them as they worked together towards the beauty derived from their collective horticultural hearts.

And though we can reflect back on his U.S. Chamber days, John’s community awareness held true throughout the rest of his life as well, and it wasn’t rare to find him attending the Harrison Township meetings. John wanted to be in tune with any decisions that he could possibly have a voice. It was simply an extension of that patriot’s heart that he embodied.

John wore many family hats,…husband, stepfather, grandfather, uncle and great-uncle, and leaves his own unique legacy that will be embraced with each reflection shared. He’s got some brand new knees that’ll no longer give him strife, and he’s with his beloved Joanie who preceded him in death on November 12, 2014. May they both enjoy the blessings of Heaven as they rest safely in the arms of God.           

John was the beloved husband of the late Joan. Stepfather of Gordon (Carla) Johnston, Charlotte (Raymond) Tomaszewski, Richard Hunt, and Patrick (Joyce) Hunt. Loving grandfather of Elisabeth Ann Tomaszewski, Paddy Clancy Johnston, and Ian Connor Johnston. He was predeceased by sister's, Mary (the late Edward) Kancyan and Florence (the late Frank) Gieraltowski. Uncle of Gerald (Jean) Gieraltowski, Patricia (the late Louis) Brusatori, Marilyn (John) Rogers, Camille (Bill) DeBlaere, and the late Dennis Gieraltowski. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews.  

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of John at his guest book below.