Sten "Olle" Olof Karlstrom

Olle was born on September 19th, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan. As the son of Swedish immigrants, Olof was a proud first generation Swedish-American. Throughout his life, he found great joy in staying connected with extended family in Sweden. Olle perpetuated special Swedish traditions with family and friends, many of whom, upon learning the art of a proper “Skol” became Swedish by association. Great memories were made alongside Olle preparing and eating pickled herring, Johansson's Delight, Pepparkakor, and Spritz. And, joyful memories persist of Olle carefully crafting, drinking, and sharing his father’s recipe for “Glogg”.

Olof graduated high school from the Cranbrook Academy and then attended the University of Michigan (UM), earning his bachelor’s degree in English. After teaching high school English in Norway, Michigan, he entered Law School at UM, completing his Juris Doctorate degree in 1964.

Olof was a playful man. He loved sports, be it tennis, blooper ball, paddleball, or waterskiing; Olle had fun playing them all. As a father, having been a wrestler in high school and college, he enjoyed playful floor matches with his young children of “Hop on Pop.” Swimming pools, lakes and oceans were his great playground, with children or grandchildren riding on his back, standing on his shoulders or getting tossed in the air for a big splash landing. Water play was always accompanied by smiles, joy and laughter. He was a regular a family sports competitions and events. As a spectator, Olle vigorously cheered, yelled, and always, with diligence, sang the national anthem. Olle had a great sense of humor and learned early in life the value of being able to laugh at oneself; he often reminisced about gaining that insight from his father.

In his professional life, Olof had a passion for education, reading programs for adults and children, practicing law, and participating in politics. He served as Vice President of Lake Michigan Community College 1966-1969; and, Vice President of Mott Community College from 1969-1974. He practiced Law with White, Newblatt, and Grossman, then with Charlie White, and later with Brian Barkey.

Olof had a strong commitment to the Greater Flint Community having served as city attorney during Mayor Sharp’s administration (1982-1986). He was dedicated to Hurley Medical Center as their attorney and later sat on their Board of Directors. As the Bishop Airport attorney, he worked to gain permanent millage for the improvement of the Airport. He served as attorney for the Genesee County Parks and worked tirelessly to advocate for the Flint Watershed Coalition. His strong support for the Reading Clinic at Mott Community College came from his value of reading as an essential part of education. He was a member of Vasa Lodge 730.

In 1982, Olof married Olivia (Libby) Maynard. They celebrated their blended family of 5 children and spouses, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; traveling and creating memorable family gatherings. Olle and Libby continued to serve the community in politics, philanthropic giving, and local organizational boards. In 1994, Olof and Libby moved south of Flint to a farm in Goodrich where they cared for a slew of cats, dogs, and horses. Olle’s retirement on the farm included time spent riding tractors and horses, as well as building all kinds of structures, bird watching, traveling, entertaining family and friends, and time in the Les Cheneaux Islands. In their commitment to land preservation, they recently gifted their farmland, wetlands, and forest to the Six Rivers Conservancy.

Olof is survived by his wife, Libby, his younger sibling, Karl Gunnar (Mary Ann) Karlstrom, his children and stepchildren; Sten (Gail) Karlstrom, Kiersten (Bob) Dekorne, Liz (Jim) Lund, Ben (Mary) Maynard, John Maynard, grandchildren; Aaron (Thyra), Tony, Anders, Sarai, Jessica (Thierno), Alyssa, Will, Nick, Patrick (Christine), Sam, Olivia, Gabriela, Martin, and great grandchildren Quin, and Lotus. He is preceded in death by his parents Gunnar and Signe Karlstrom, his older sibling Lars and Lar’s wife, Ann Karlstrom.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Charlotte Baxter, Mary Williams, Trent McIntire, John Earl, and Erwin Curtis. They also express deep gratitude to hospice for their kindness and care.

A small gathering with family and friends will be held in celebration of his life. We welcome any stories or memories from friends to be shared at this celebration please send to Kiersten at: [email protected]. Donations in honor of Olof’s life may be made to the Flint Watershed Coalition: 1300 Bluff Street, Suite 114, Flint, MI 48504; the Reading Clinic at Mott Community College: 1401 East Court Street, Flint, MI 48503; or Six Rivers Land Conservancy Box 80902, Rochester, MI 48308.