Merle E. Olmstead

Merle E. Olmstead, 77, Rockford, passed away Monday, August 30, 2021. He was born July 5, 1944, in Rockford, the son of Emery and Margaret (Flynn) Olmstead. Merle was a veteran serving in the Army. He married Tanya Pavlova on August 27, 1971, in Rockford. He was employed at Greenlee Textron in customer service for 43 years. Merle enjoyed golfing, cooking, and boating on the Rock River. He volunteered for lots of special events; ON THE WATER FRONT, Rockford Air Show, and his beloved granddaughter’s memorial golf outing (Alexis Olmstead Memorial Golf Outing) he was loved for 43 years by his Greenlee family. Merle was always so full of life, he left a lasting impression on everyone that he met. His love, generosity, and kindness were second to none. Merle was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. Merle was a “people person” who enjoyed being with his friends but most of all loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He would call his grand kids at least twice a day to check in on them and see how their day was. Family was his life and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Tanya; his sons, Nicholas “Nick” (Julie) and Michail “Mike”, both of Roscoe; his grandchildren, Mattison, Caden, Brennan, Brooklyn, Austin and Mikayla Olmstead and Nathan Lamay; his daughter-in-law, Dezaray Olmstead; his sister, Roxanna (Edwin “Bud”) Fransen of Byron; his nieces, Traci Reh-Miles and Dana McIntosh; his nephew, Valentin (Ericka) Pawlow; his great-nephews, Jaylen and Isiah Manos and Jacob Pedersen. Predeceased by his granddaughter, Alexis.

A visitation will be held from Noon until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford. Military honors will take place at 2:00 P.M. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Donations may be made to a memorial to be established at a later date. Share memories and online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.