J. Wesley Olds

J. Wesley Olds Okemos Born December 5, 1917, the son of Joseph and Hilda Olds, J. Wesley Olds died April 27, 2010 at the age of 92. Wesley graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1935. In 1941, he received a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan. Later, in 1951, Wesley married Winifred Breithaupt and together they raised 3 children. He has practiced architecture in Detroit, California, and Boston and had his own office in downtown Okemos for 12 years. He retired in 1983 from the State of Michigan, Department of Management and Budget. Wesley was active in Okemos and Lansing community theater and was a co-founder of the Okemos Barn Theater (Now known as the Riverwalk Theater in Downtown Lansing). He was a Charter Member, also serving as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Meridian Historic Village for 25 years. He also held a membership at the Lansing Art Guild. Wesley enjoyed extensive traveling as a co-escort with America by Rail in the United States, and Mexico. He also traveled to England, Finland, Greece, and Europe. He was a prolific water color, pastel, and pen ink artist. Wesley is survived by his wife Winifred; three children, Robert E. (Tanya) Olds of California, Julia (Richard) MacLachlan of Grand Blanc, Reid H. Olds of Grand Ledge; seven grandchildren, Laura (Russell) Davison, Wesley Robert Olds, Libby (Tim) Holder, Dan MacLachlan, Ethan, Evan, and Ellierae Olds; two great-grandchildren, Alexander Davison and Breanna Holder; two brothers, George M. Olds of Lansing, and Allan (Verna) Olds of Ishpeming; and his brother -in-law, Warren (Edythe) Breithaupt of Florida. A memorial service at the Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Rd, Okemos, MI will be announced at a later date with the Rev. Jeanne M. Randels officiating. Contributions may be made to the Riverwalk Theater, P.O. Box 12249, Lansing, MI 48901; Lansing Civic Players, 2300 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912; Friends of Historic Meridian, P.O. Box 155, Okemos, MI 48805-0155; or the Okemos Community Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 680, Okemos, MI 48805 in memory of J. Wesley Olds. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Online condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com