Richard Wallace Oljace

RICHARD WALLACE OLJACE Merrillville, Indiana Passed away on Christmas night, 2006, at the age of 80. He is survived by: his six children: Rich & Karen Oljace of Washington, IL; Bob & Rose Oljace of Dyer, IN; Sandy Saffa & Ron Hansen of Chicago, IL; Mary Beth & Randy York of Cincinnati, OH; William & Chris Oljace of Merced, CA; and Diane & Kevin Tamalunas of Valparaiso, IN. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Jason, Amy & Kaitlyn Oljace; Bobby, Mike, Monica & Ryan Oljace; Amanda Saffa; Riley, Matthew & Audrey York; and Justin & Jonathan Oljace. Brother, Donald & Jean Oljace of Greensburg, IN. His pigeon partner and friend, Dewayne & Judie Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (Jarabines); his father, Barney & mother, Bessie (Christensen) Oljace; and his brother, Edward Oljace. Richard's life passion was breeding Racing Pigeons. During the 1960's and 1970's he belonged to the Gary Racing Pigeon Club. He was currently a member of the Northwest Indiana Racing Pigeon Club. Richard served in the US Army as a Radio Communications Operator during World War II in Europe. He was a Design Engineer for 33 years at US Steel in Gary, IN. Richard attended Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church of Gary, IN. Viewing Thursday, December 28, 2006, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St., Merrillville, IN. Prayer Service will be held Friday, December 29, 2006, at the funeral home beginning at 10:30 a.m. The burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. Please omit flowers at the family's request.