LORAIN--John J. Olejko, 89, of Lorain, died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at Kingston of Vermilion.

He was born September 13, 1916, in Lorain, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He attended St. Stanislaus
Catholic School and Lorain High School. At the age of 85, he received his dipolma in graduation ceremonies from Lorain Admiral King.

Olejko was employed by U.S. Steel in the Bessemer and BOP shops for more than 40 years, retiring in 1980.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Central Europe as a private first class during World War ll. He was awarded the World War ll Victory Medal, European-African-Muddle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the American Theater Ribbon.

While he was in the service, he played football in Berlin, Germany, in the Olympic Stadium.

He was a parishioner of St. Vitus Catholic Church and served on church concil in addition to providing maintenance to the church and grounds. He was an active member of AMVETS Post 47 and captian of the color guard. He served on the board of trustees and marched in the Memorial day parades until the age of 85.

He enjoyed bowling and was inducted into the Lorain Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He was in his 70s when he bowled his last 700 series. He was a avid golfer and also in his 70s when he shot a hole-in-one.

He enjoyed fishing and car racing and attended the Indianapolis 500.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Stella (nee Berish) Olejko of Lorain; sons John Olejko Jr. of Gates Mills, Dr. Terry Olejko of Powell and Lee Olejko of San Jose, Calif.; three grandchildren; brother, Alex Olejko of Lorain; and sisters, Bernice Sadowski, Josephine Schneider, Mary Poprock and Stella James, all of Lorain, and Helen Chmielewski of Parma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Blase and Stella (nee Ginalski) Olejko; infant brother, Karl Olejko; brother Frank Olejko and Joseph Olejko; and his sister, Jeannie Walend.