Anthony Oleksinski's Obituary
Oleksinski, Anthony (Tony) F., passed away on Sunday, January 30th at the age of 93. Tony was born on October 27th, 1916 in Iron River, MI, the oldest of four boys. Throughout his life, Tony worked tirelessly to secure a better tomorrow for his country and his family, whether on distant shores or in local union halls. In 1937, Tony joined Chrysler and participated in the sit down strikes that led to U.A.W. recognition. In April of 1941, Tony married Ester Fulkerth. They began their family in 1942 and together they would raise a son and five daughters. In 1943, Tony volunteered for and was inducted into the U.S. Army for service in WWII. He served as a Combat M.P. in the 3rd Army during the European Invasion, under Patton. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Upon his return, Tony began working his way up the ranks of the U.A.W. He completed construction on a new home for his family in Madison Heights, MI in 1954 with the help of his children. In 1963, Tony became Vice President of Local 490 and was later appointed to the International Union in 1969. Following Esther’s death in 1986, Tony married Mildred Fulkerth. They moved to Rose City, MI, where they lived for 20 years. Tony is preceded in death by his first wife Esther, second wife Mildred, daughter Marjorie, brothers Edmund and Frank, and stepsons Lawrence and Lee. Survivors include his brother Donald, children Donald (Susan) Oleksinski, Ellen (Ron) Ross, Nancy (Leonard) Rowe, Gail (Dennis) Carls, and Leslie (Gordon) Kolly, as well as 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by stepchildren Bobbie, Shirley, Melvin, Joanne, David and James. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3-9pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R., Madison Heights. Funeral will take place Wednesday with a 9:30am Instate followed by the Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Madison Heights (www.svfmh.org). Memorial donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the Salvation Army.
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