Edward J. "Dodo" Olszewski

Edward J. “Dodo” Olszewski Sr., 96, of La Salle, passed away surrounded by his family on February 24, 2023, at Heritage Health in Mendota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM Friday, March 3, 2023, at St. Hyacinth’s Church in La Salle with the Very Rev. Thomas Otto officiating. Burial will be at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery with full military services conducted by La Salle-Oglesby Veteran’s Memorial Group. Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of service. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Olszewski was born in La Salle on December 16, 1926, to John and Rose (Welepski) Olszewski. He graduated from St. Hyacinth’s Grade School in 1941 and spent two years at La Salle-Peru Township High School. He worked at the Chicago Shipyard in Seneca for a year before enlisting in the United States Navy. He was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center prior to serving aboard the battleship USS Tuscaloosa during WWII which was involved in the invasion of Normandy. Afterwards, his ship moved into Pacific Waters and participated in the actions of Saipan, Iwo Jima, and fought in the Okinawa area. Edward was a distinguished, decorated veteran. Ed married Virginia Kroll on February 22, 1947. Ed worked at M&H Zinc for a short time then for Huntsman Corporation for 28 years where he retired. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, skiing, bicycling, traveling, and was an avid golfer. Ed played softball, where his team was a three-time champion of the local fast pitch softball league. He was presented an award from the American Red Cross for having completed 20 gallons of blood donations and continued to donate more.  He was a member of St. Hyacinths Church in La Salle. Ed was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the most kind and gentle soul and loved by all who knew him.

Ed is survived by one son Edward (Susan) Olszewski of La Salle; three grandchildren Derek (Michelle) Olszewski of Ottawa, Nicole (John) Hurst of La Salle, and Alison (Jason) Goode of Peru; eight great-grandchildren Logan, Kyleigh, Collin, and Mady Olszewski, Brady and Mason Hurst, and Harper and Kinley Goode.

He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia; one son Robert Olszewski in 2017; two brothers John and Frank Olszewski; three sisters Sophie Liss, Mary Pisaneschi, and Virg Wasik; and one great-grandson Evan Olszewski in infancy.

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