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Welcome to the memorial page for
Donald Olmsted
October 1, 1925 ~ April 10, 2017 (age 91) 91 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Ed Velazquez
April 12, 2017 6:46 PM
My condolences to all the family. May you feel God's loving presence and comfort at this time.
I want to tell you a special story regarding your Dad that took place on the campus of Marion College in 1970 when I was 19 yrs old. It's one of my favorite "fun" stories! I was working maintenance with your Dad, who at my age at that time seemed like an ol' guy to me (I was a Mexican kid from the west side of Chicago). We were told to go to 3rd floor Teter Hall and remove an old upright piano (very big & heavy). Don and I wheeled it to the Fire Escape door, lifted it up over the railing, looked at each other and let it go! It hit the grass below with such a "Ka-bong" that I'll never forget that sound! In the basement of Teter was the Art Department. When that piano hit and made that sound, Ardelia Williams came running out shouting, "Save me the ivories, save me the ivories!!" That was a moment. When my family and I started going to Brookhaven, I remembered that moment as your Dad was going into the church, and I said, "Don, was it you that heaved that piano over the side with me years ago?" He looked at me over his glasses, with a twinkle in his eyes and said, "Yep, it was me!"
Thought you'd enjoy the story! God bless!
I want to tell you a special story regarding your Dad that took place on the campus of Marion College in 1970 when I was 19 yrs old. It's one of my favorite "fun" stories! I was working maintenance with your Dad, who at my age at that time seemed like an ol' guy to me (I was a Mexican kid from the west side of Chicago). We were told to go to 3rd floor Teter Hall and remove an old upright piano (very big & heavy). Don and I wheeled it to the Fire Escape door, lifted it up over the railing, looked at each other and let it go! It hit the grass below with such a "Ka-bong" that I'll never forget that sound! In the basement of Teter was the Art Department. When that piano hit and made that sound, Ardelia Williams came running out shouting, "Save me the ivories, save me the ivories!!" That was a moment. When my family and I started going to Brookhaven, I remembered that moment as your Dad was going into the church, and I said, "Don, was it you that heaved that piano over the side with me years ago?" He looked at me over his glasses, with a twinkle in his eyes and said, "Yep, it was me!"
Thought you'd enjoy the story! God bless!
Message from Stephen
April 15, 2017 5:41 AM
Thank you for sharing your story
I do remember dad telling me and laughing all the way through the story
Now isn't just like him to leave this cruel earth in time to celebrate Easter in person with Jesus?
Thank you an May God bless you
I do remember dad telling me and laughing all the way through the story
Now isn't just like him to leave this cruel earth in time to celebrate Easter in person with Jesus?
Thank you an May God bless you
A candle was lit by Donna and Ed Gates
on April 12, 2017 2:43 PM
Message from Donna gates, Wynnfield resident
April 12, 2017 2:42 PM
Please Accept my condolences on the death of
Rev Don Olmsted. It has been my privilege to know Don during the last 4 years.
Don was always so pleasant to be with and hear his life stories. Nothing gave him as much joy as when he attended the Veterans trip to Washington. I gave him peace he must have been looking for. God be with you all. Donna Gates
Rev Don Olmsted. It has been my privilege to know Don during the last 4 years.
Don was always so pleasant to be with and hear his life stories. Nothing gave him as much joy as when he attended the Veterans trip to Washington. I gave him peace he must have been looking for. God be with you all. Donna Gates
Message from April Blomquist
April 12, 2017 2:15 PM
I had the honor of befriending this wonderful man while working at Wynnfield. I loved visiting with him and listening to his stories. It was a joy to watch him find a passion for painting in the last year's of his life. I will treasure the paintings he gave me. I and my family are so sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul
A candle was lit by April Blomquist
on April 12, 2017 2:10 PM
Message from Linda and Bob Haworth
April 11, 2017 9:55 AM
Stephen and Susan,
We are so sorry to read about Don. What a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. Got to know Don when my mother was living at Wynnfield. She would always look for Don when he was sitting down by the dining room and then she would know where to go for meals. When our circle would have their cookie walk I would take cookies to him and he appreciated them so much. We were both shocked to hear about him as we just saw him about 4 weeks ago at Kroger's and had a nice visit. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed but he is at peace. Rest In Peace Don.
Linda and Bob
We are so sorry to read about Don. What a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. Got to know Don when my mother was living at Wynnfield. She would always look for Don when he was sitting down by the dining room and then she would know where to go for meals. When our circle would have their cookie walk I would take cookies to him and he appreciated them so much. We were both shocked to hear about him as we just saw him about 4 weeks ago at Kroger's and had a nice visit. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed but he is at peace. Rest In Peace Don.
Linda and Bob
A candle was lit by Linda and Bob Haworth
on April 11, 2017 9:47 AM
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