Ted and Laverna Olkowski were a beloved couple who lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to their family and community. Their passing marks the end of a beautiful era, as they leave behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and deep connections with everyone they encountered.
In this obituary, we celebrate the lives of Ted and laverna olkowski obituary, their remarkable journey together, and the ways in which they made a lasting impact on those around them.
Early Lives and Meeting Each Other
Ted Olkowski was born on November 2, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Polish immigrant parents. Raised in a working-class family, Ted learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and family loyalty from a young age. He attended local schools and quickly became known for his excellent work ethic and warm personality. His love for learning and curiosity about the world around him made him stand out in school, and he always had a kind word for everyone he met.
Laverna Olkowski, née Hanson, was born on July 17, 1935, in Racine, Wisconsin. Growing up in a large, loving family, she was surrounded by siblings and cousins who fostered a strong sense of community. Laverna’s caring nature and generous spirit were apparent early in her life, as she spent her free time helping others, whether it was looking after younger family members or assisting neighbors. Her quiet strength and ability to listen empathetically became defining traits that followed her throughout her life.
Ted and Laverna met in 1956 at a church social in Milwaukee, where they instantly connected. Ted was immediately drawn to Laverna’s gentle nature, while Laverna admired Ted’s sense of humor and strong moral character. Their shared values of family, faith, and service to others brought them together, and they quickly realized that they were meant to spend their lives together.
Marriage and Building a Family
Ted and Laverna were married on June 15, 1957, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends. They settled in Milwaukee, where they began building their life together. Their marriage was marked by love, respect, and a deep sense of partnership. Ted worked as a machinist, while Laverna devoted herself to raising their children and managing the household. They complemented each other perfectly—Ted’s industrious nature paired with Laverna’s nurturing spirit created a harmonious and joyful home.
Over the years, Ted and Laverna were blessed with four children—Michael, Susan, James, and Karen. As parents, they were deeply committed to their children’s well-being, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams and instilling in them the importance of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Ted and Laverna’s home was filled with love and laughter, and they worked tirelessly to ensure that their children had every opportunity to succeed.
Family gatherings were frequent and joyful events, with Ted and Laverna at the center of it all. Their home became a welcoming space for extended family, neighbors, and friends, where meals were shared, stories were told, and memories were created. Ted’s hearty laugh and Laverna’s warm smile were ever-present, bringing comfort and happiness to everyone who knew them.
Dedication to Faith and Community
Ted and Laverna were devout Catholics and active members of their local church. Their faith was a cornerstone of their lives, and they believed in living out their values through acts of service and kindness. Ted volunteered with the Knights of Columbus, where he participated in various charitable initiatives and fundraisers. Laverna was involved in the church’s women’s group, where she helped organize events, supported parish activities, and extended a helping hand to those in need.
In addition to their work with the church, Ted and Laverna were deeply committed to their community. They were the kind of neighbors who would always show up to help—whether it was shoveling snow from a neighbor’s driveway, delivering a meal to someone going through a tough time, or offering a listening ear to anyone who needed it. Their generosity and humility were evident in everything they did.
Ted and Laverna believed in giving back to their community in meaningful ways. They were known for their annual participation in local charity drives, including food pantries and clothing donations for families in need. Laverna’s famous homemade pies were often donated to bake sales, while Ted would contribute his time and handyman skills to help repair homes and community spaces.
Their commitment to helping others extended to their roles as mentors. Both Ted and Laverna took pride in guiding younger members of the community, offering advice on everything from parenting to navigating life’s challenges. Their wisdom and experience were invaluable to those around them, and many people credit Ted and Laverna with shaping their lives in profound ways.
Retirement Years and Cherished Memories
After Ted retired from his job as a machinist, he and Laverna embraced their retirement years with joy and gratitude. They spent much of their time traveling to visit their children and grandchildren, as family remained the center of their lives. Ted and Laverna’s love for each other only grew stronger over the years, and their bond was a testament to the power of a lifelong partnership built on mutual respect and devotion.
During their retirement, Ted and Laverna also enjoyed pursuing hobbies that brought them happiness. Ted was an avid gardener, and he took great pride in maintaining a beautiful backyard filled with flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. Laverna, known for her exceptional cooking and baking, continued to experiment with new recipes, delighting her family with her culinary creations. They often hosted family barbecues and gatherings, where their home once again became a place of joy and togetherness.
Ted and Laverna’s grandchildren held a special place in their hearts, and they cherished every moment spent with them. Whether it was teaching them life skills, sharing stories from their own childhoods, or simply enjoying each other’s company, Ted and Laverna were loving and attentive grandparents. They believed in passing down the values of family unity, faith, and kindness, and they were proud to see these values reflected in the next generation.
A Legacy of Love
On October 2, 2024, Ted and Laverna Olkowski passed away peacefully within hours of each other, a fitting end to a life spent side by side in love and partnership. While their passing brings immense sadness, their family and friends take comfort in knowing that they lived full, meaningful lives dedicated to each other and their community.
Ted and Laverna’s legacy will live on through their children, grandchildren, and the countless people whose lives they touched. Their love for one another was evident in everything they did, and their commitment to their family and community set an example that will continue to inspire future generations.
As their family reflects on their lives, they remember Ted and Laverna as two people who found joy in the simple things—spending time with loved ones, helping others, and living their faith. Their love story is one that will be remembered for years to come, a reminder of the beauty and strength of a life lived in partnership, compassion, and service.