Ray "Jack" G. Olmstead

RAY G. "JACK" OLMSTEAD February 25, 1921 - December 8, 2014 Ray G. "Jack" Olmstead reached his destination Monday morning, December 8, 2014 just before 8:00 am at St Joseph's Area Health Services Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. With his family by his side, he passed peacefully and quietly as he made his journey home to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jack lived a life of service and a mission of helping others. Jack signed up for the US Marine Corps and became an aviator instructor flying Stearman Bi-planes, and served his county during World War II. Jack married E. Jane (Wallick) Olmstead, and was wed for over 60 years. He worked for Libby's out of college and then made a career in Galesburg, IL, as a Vice President Farm Manager until he retired. Jack had perfect attendance with Kiwanis for over 40 years, where he also had earned the George F. Hixson award for a lifetime of service. Jack served on numerous committees at his home Church, First United Methodist Church of Galesburg, IL and was a Stephen Minister. Jack stated one of his greatest missions in life for service was Habitat for Humanity, where he had lead teams and worked on houses for those in need for more than 2 decades. Jack raised three daughters Susan Harmon (Tom) of Park Rapids, MN, Nancy Miller d. (Don) of Menahga, MN, and Sandra Perez (Mike) of Park Rapids, MN, with his late wife, Jane. Before his passing, he had stated that raising three daughters was his greatest of accomplishments. Part of their upbringing was participating in Girl Scouts and Jack was honored by the Girls Scouts of America with a lifetime achievement of service. In recent years, Jack had moved to Park Rapids where he would been seen socially playing golf, cribbage, bridge, prayer groups, bible studies, faithfully attending Hubbard United Methodist Church, Hubbard MN, and spending time with his family. Jack had four grandchildren Deb Pfaff (Tony), St Charles, IL; Mark Harmon(Kim) of Park Rapids, MN; Brian Perez (Rosie) of Salisbury, MD; and Anthony Perez of Crested Butte, CO. Jack was a proud great-grandfather of 7 great grandchildren Parker, Julia, and Alessia Rae Harmon (named after her great grandfather), Johnny and Garrett Pfaff, and Santiago and Gabriella Perez. All of his family loved him fondly and will tell stories of the family farm, apple cider parties, golfing, tractor rides, traveling and a relationship with nature. Jack also traveled and shared time with his personal friend Shirley Sutor of Galesburg, IL where they golfed, played cards and traveled together. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the Hubbard United Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN with Pastor Laurie Kantonen and Pastor Tom Harmon officiating. Visitation will be at 9:00-11:00 AM prior to the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hubbard United Methodist Church or hospice. There will also be a memorial service January 17, 2015, 11:00 a.m. (visitation one hour prior to the service) at the Galesburg United Methodist Church, Galesburg, IL. Memorial may be made to the Galesburg United Methodist Church or Habitat for Humanity of Knox County.