Gunnard Oslund

Gunnard Wynne Oslund, age 91, passed away Saturday, October 11 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Ann Arbor, surrounded by his family. Gunnard was born in Milwaukee to Gunnard and Alice Oslund. He and his sister Beverly grew up in the family home on the Lafayette St. hill with his parents and grandparents Cap. Edward and Sarah Martin.

Gunnard graduated in the class of 1952 of Grand Haven High School and attended Western Michigan University until he was called to serve his country in the US Army in Korea. After Korea he returned to Kalamazoo to finish his studies.

He married Carol Marshall in 1957 and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Gunnard was employed at Challenge Machinery Company retiring in 1994. He is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Laureen (Guy) Smith and grand children Jared Smith of Asheville NC, Savannah (Anthony) Palazzolo of Southfield, MI and Tessa (Cameron) Timmerman of Everett, WA. Sister-in-law Marion Marshall of Grand Haven; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rick and Marilyn Schiefelbein of Portland, OR. And several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gunnard and Alice Oslund, son David and daughter-in-law Lynnette Oslund, sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Ken MacLeod, and brother-in-law Patrick Marshall.

Family was always a priority and Gunnard was involved in PTA and coaching Little Leage as well as any activities his children enjoyed. The family enjoyed camping and traveling across the country. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Grand Haven and Sacred Heart Church in Mercedes, Texas.

Gunnard was a life member of the Grand Haven Elks and was proud to be the oldest living Past Exalted Ruler. He also served on the Drill Team and as Trustee. He also served on many state committees and was District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. He was a member of West Michigan World Trade Club serving as President. He was a member of the American Legion. Gunnard created a newsletter for his GHHS class members for many years and was on the reunion committee. He was active in a leadership role in any group that he belonged to.

He and Carol loved to travel and had visited all 50 states and all the Canadian provinces as well as internationally many times. After retirement they sold their home on Spring Lake and moved to Mercedes Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. They worked in Mexican Ministries and volunteered in church and valley activities. He loved living in the valley and working alongside friends who had families on both sides of the border for generations, and hosting Christmas Pasadas. He loved the warm weather and year-round golfing, and beach activities at South Padre Island.

Burial and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Those planning a memorial are asked to consider Mexican Ministries, St. Patrick's Church, 501 S. Michigan Ave., Oxford, IN 47971. Condolences can be sent to: 7633 Renz Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48103