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Gilbert Olrich Obituary
Gilbert Richard Olrich, 87, of Ottawa Lake, MI, went home to be with our Lord peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Gilbert was born August 3, 1937, graduated from Blissfield High School in 1955, and married the love of his life, Joyce Ann Schmidt, October 3, 1959, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Maybee, Michigan. He worked for General Motors Powertrain Plant for 30 years, retiring in 1990. He also farmed with his father, Kenneth Olrich. During his time at the Powertrain Plant, he was a member of UAW Local 14 and served on the Recreation Committee and Park Board. Gil also worked for the Ottawa Lake Co-Op Elevator Board.
Gil was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, his entire life. He served on church council and the trust fund committee. He was also a deacon and an usher for many years. He was a member of Olivet Leisure League.
Sports played a large part of his life. He played softball for UAW Local 14 that went to the ASA Nationals in York, PA. He enjoyed golfing with his fellow GM retirees, friends and family. He loved attending Whiteford High School sporting events and all of his children's and grandchildren's sports and activities. He was a huge Michigan Wolverine football fan.
He is survived by his children, Dean (Kim) OIrich, June (Dave) Kretz, Wanda (John) Castleman, and Pam (Mark) Sorensen; grandchildren, Neil, Dale, Fadia, Laura and Reese; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Gale (Gail) Olrich; and sister-in-law, Linda Olrich. Gil was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Joyce; his parents, Kenneth and Ruth Olrich; brother, Doug Olrich; sister, Phyllis Henson.
Friends may call at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St, Sylvania, OH, Sunday, June 29, from 2-6 p.m. Gilbert's life will be celebrated Monday, at 11 a.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church, Ottawa Lake, MI. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Zion Lutheran Church in memory of Gilbert Olrich. Online condolences to
www.reebfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Olrich
Sponsored by Reeb Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Margaret and Patrick Fejes
June 26, 2025
We haven´t known Gilbert for very long, he was a roommate to Patrick in a rehab facility. We enjoyed talking to him and meeting his family.
Gilbert was also a `neighbor´ at a different facility. We always tried to peek in and say hello.
Thoughts and prayers are going out to the family for strength and peace.
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