1 Upcoming Event
Memorial Service
JAN
30
Friday, January 30, 2026
Starts at 2:30 pm
National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
-, -, -
Jan William Olkoski, of Ahwatukee, AZ passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at home, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Jan was born on October 27,1943 in Birmingham, Alabama to George and Wilhelmina Olkoski. He graduated from Pompano High School in Florida in 1961, followed by Florida Military College. Jan then went to New York to attend West Point Academy where he was on the Rugby Club team, 150 lb Football team, Chapel Choir, Ski Club and French Club, graduating in 1966 with an Engineering degree. After graduating and receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant, he attended and graduated from Ranger school.
Jan served and fought in the Vietnam War from September 21, 1968 to September 14, 1969, where he earned two bronze stars, one of which with Valor, an Air Medal and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring from active duty in October of 1970, he continued on in the Reserves until 1978 where he was promoted to Major.
After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, Jan was stationed at Fort Ord, CA, in Monterey Bay, where he soon met his future wife, Katharina (Kathy) and her two year old daughter, Deanna. Jan and Katharina had two additional children, Cynthia and Jonathan, and were happily married for 55 years.
Jan attended real estate school in Monterey and eventually became a Real Estate Broker, owning his own brokerage business in downtown Pacific Grove until 2006 when Jan and Kathy moved to Phoenix. He enjoyed football (The Dolphins and the 49ers), baseball (The Dodgers), Roy Orbison, The Beatles, and family vacations. Jan also was extremely fond of being involved with his children's sports and activities, along with helping with homework.
He is survived by his wife, Katharina, his children Deanna (Gerald), Cynthia (Chris), Jonathan, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and two older sisters.
A Memorial will be held on January 30th at 2:30pm MST at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Alzheimer's Association is appreciated, www.alz.org.
Jan was born on October 27,1943 in Birmingham, Alabama to George and Wilhelmina Olkoski. He graduated from Pompano High School in Florida in 1961, followed by Florida Military College. Jan then went to New York to attend West Point Academy where he was on the Rugby Club team, 150 lb Football team, Chapel Choir, Ski Club and French Club, graduating in 1966 with an Engineering degree. After graduating and receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant, he attended and graduated from Ranger school.
Jan served and fought in the Vietnam War from September 21, 1968 to September 14, 1969, where he earned two bronze stars, one of which with Valor, an Air Medal and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring from active duty in October of 1970, he continued on in the Reserves until 1978 where he was promoted to Major.
After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, Jan was stationed at Fort Ord, CA, in Monterey Bay, where he soon met his future wife, Katharina (Kathy) and her two year old daughter, Deanna. Jan and Katharina had two additional children, Cynthia and Jonathan, and were happily married for 55 years.
Jan attended real estate school in Monterey and eventually became a Real Estate Broker, owning his own brokerage business in downtown Pacific Grove until 2006 when Jan and Kathy moved to Phoenix. He enjoyed football (The Dolphins and the 49ers), baseball (The Dodgers), Roy Orbison, The Beatles, and family vacations. Jan also was extremely fond of being involved with his children's sports and activities, along with helping with homework.
He is survived by his wife, Katharina, his children Deanna (Gerald), Cynthia (Chris), Jonathan, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and two older sisters.
A Memorial will be held on January 30th at 2:30pm MST at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Alzheimer's Association is appreciated, www.alz.org.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jan William Olkoski, please visit our flower store.
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