Name: Visitation for Bruno Olechnowicz
Start: 2024-01-31T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-31T17:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church

Bruno Olechnowicz, Jr. age 86, went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at his home in Grand Haven. He was born April 22, 1937, in Grand Haven, to Bruno and Anna (Klimo) Olechnowicz. On Nov. 5, 1960, he married Sophie Szymas, at St. Anthony Catholic Church and they shared over 63 wonderful years together.

Bruno served as an Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy for 27 years. He was a master gardener and farmer, allowing only a select few into the garden to help. Bruno also enjoyed baking, canning, and his "coffee clutch." He loved going to the cabin in the U.P., which he helped build years ago, and was even able to harvest his buck this past fall while up there. He was a lifelong active member of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church, also volunteering for the food pantry, and Love in Action.

Bruno is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sophie Olechnowicz; five children: Janice (Greg) VandenBrink, Kathleen (Jim) McManus, Bruno (Lindy) Olechnowicz, Jr., Mike (Julie) Olechnowicz, and Marcia (Mike) Guzman; nine grandchildren: Nick (Melanie) VandenBrink, Heather (Andy) Beck, Luke (Hannah) Olechnowicz, Bradley Olechnowicz, Staton Fairfield, Lawson (Jordan) Fairfield, Sophia McManus, Selia McManus, and Brooke (Adam) Bellfy; nine great-grandchildren: MaKenna VandenBrink, Khloe VandenBrink, Hudson VandenBrink, Brooklyn Beck, Vera Olechnowicz, Dottie Olechnowicz, Addison Bellfy, Ava Bellfy, and Ainsley Bellfy; his sister, Anielia "Sweetie" Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four brothers: Michael Olechnowicz, Richard Olechnowicz, Joe Olechnowicz, and John Olechnowicz; his sister-in-law, Judy Olechnowicz; brothers-in-law, Wayne Wilson and Jack McCarthy; and great-grandson, Brennan VandenBrink.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Rev. Dan Schumaker as Celebrant. Friends may meet the family from 10 a.m., until the Mass begins at church. Interment will be in Robinson Township Cemetery.

The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 is honored to serve the Olechnowicz family. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Haven Tribune from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruno Olechnowicz

9 Entries

Chuck Moll

January 27, 2024

My condolences to family and friends. Always liked talking with Bruno. Nice person, happy, caring, good neighbor, UP hunter. Fellow Robinson Township friend. Rest peacefully Bruno.

Jon Overway

January 25, 2024

I worked much of my career with Bruno. Bruno was kind and fair...he was known as "the Sheriff of Robinson", and that was true. He knew everyone and treated people with respect...no matter their standing in life. Bruno's "community" trusted him to help when it was needed the most. A very fine man and I am glad to hear he got his buck this past season...he loved his UP hunting grounds. I wish his family peace and God's love.

Gary and Joanne Rupar

January 25, 2024

Sophie and Family, our prayers are being said to honor Bruno, he is in Heaven with our Lord. We will remember all the good times we shared. Gary and Joanne Rupar

Barbara Eskew

January 25, 2024

Dear Sophie: I just opened the tribune and found
the notice for your dear Bruno. My heart goes out
to you and your family -- May God's Love surround you and be with you --
\Thinking of you - always , Barbara in Nunica

Marcy Jackson

January 25, 2024

Dear Sophie, so very sorry to hear of Bruno/Ole's death. Still remember the corn he'd bring in to dialysis team-such a great man! He will be missed

Peg Weick

January 25, 2024

Sophie, Bruno was and always will be one of my favorite people. I know he´ll be missed by so many

Claudette Daugherty Bethke

January 25, 2024

Sophie sending you my deepest sympathy! He will be missed! Rest in Peace Bruno!

Brenda Holmes

January 25, 2024

So sorry for your loss. My dad would not get pickles from anyone else but Bruno. I also always went to Bruno such a nice man. I will miss him dearly. Wonderful stories about him and my dad. Rest in peace.

James Downing

January 25, 2024

Kathleen
It makes me sad knowing you and your family are grieving the passing of your father. He was a example of what a father should be, so many would have learned from him what loving and supportive father is supposed to be.
He was respected by all that had the good fortune to have him in their life and call him a friend . Kathleen, God is going to have a beautiful garden and the best vegetables for eternity. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
All my love, James

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