Mildred Olszewski

Mildred “Millie” Jane Olszewski  (Kolich)

Devoted Mother and Caregiver

Mildred “Millie” Jane Olszewski (Kolich), 94, died peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024, with her youngest daughter by her side.  She was a resident of Pine Haven Assisted Living in Sheboygan Falls, WI.

Millie was born April 20, 1930, in Escanaba, Michigan, to Michael and Katherine Kolich. Millie was one of fourteen children and the last sibling to make the journey home to our Lord and Savior. She was very proud of her Croatian heritage and loved growing up in Escanaba.

On January 19, 1952, Millie was married to Joseph Edward Olszewski of Ashland, Wisconsin. The couple tied the knot at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Escanaba. The newlyweds were living in Escanaba when they had their first child, Kay Ann. The couple eventually moved to Ashland where they had two sons, Keith Michael and Gregory Joseph. In the early 60's, Joseph secured employment with the Allen Bradley Company in Milwaukee, WI, and moved their family to the big city where they had their last daughter, Jann Louise, later in life.

Millie was a hard worker, employed with Escanaba Steam Laundry, Breitenbach Grocery, Phoenix Hosiery and the local movie theatre in her youth. She also took on odd jobs and worked in the factory of Milwaukee Cutting and catering events in Milwaukee for several years. Millie loved children and was a natural caregiver, choosing her main adult career as a stay-at-home mother. Childcare was her true passion and had several baby-sitting jobs throughout the years, which brought her great joy!

Millie's favorite hobby was thrift shopping and found excitement in scoring a good deal. Some of what she loved the most in life were: her family (especially her grandchildren), rummage sales, robins, a good cup of coffee accompanied by a doughnut, dolls, the color brown, working in the yard, jewelry and ice cream. Drawing was one of her past times, she was a good artist and handed that talent down to several family members.

Millie is survived by her children: Kay (Chris) Giese, Gregory (Susan) Olszewski and Jann (Troy) Opgenorth; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph and her beloved eldest son, Keith.

Millie especially will be remembered for her sweet personable nature, willingness to help anyone in need, tenacity and sometimes fiery and stubborn spirit. She was a strong Croatian woman with a tell it like it is attitude.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation Friday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Church services will be held immediately afterwards starting at 12:00 p.m., with St. Thomas Church, and a church luncheon to follow. Millie will be laid to rest at Gardens of Rest next to her husband and son.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Haven and Sharon Richardson Hospice for the wonderful care they gave our mother and support to our family. And also, to Wenig and Anderson Funeral Homes, for their expertise and compassionate services.