Richard M. Olzenak

Attn: Iron Workers Local 512

​Member Forest Lake American Legion Post 225

​US Army Vietnam Veteran 

Age 70, of Forest Lake; passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 8, 2019, after many years of health complications due to his service in Vietnam, and also battles with cancer.​

Survived by wife of 46 years, Camille (nee Vannelli); children, Brinka (Chris) Boese, Roscoe, and Cashmere (Andy Goodroad); grandchildren, Liberty and Lincoln; sister, Judy (Kevin) Hall; brother, Al Olzenak; close nephews, Ricky and Donny; many more nieces and nephews; and special best friend, Dave “Langer” Lang of Linwood, MN.​

Rich served in Vietnam with the Army’s 515th Transportation Co, and was especially proud of earning his 10,000 mile certificate. He then had 35 years of service as a Union Iron Worker with the Local 512.​

“You Betcha” – he was a great storyteller, avid hunter, and loved fishing the northerns on Forest Lake; he and his dog Dixie shall now be together.​

A Service of Remembrance will be held by the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 Honor Guard at 1 PM Saturday, September 14 at LAKESIDE MEMORIAL PARK in Forest Lake (Broadway east of Hwy 61). Immediately following the service, a luncheon and memorial gathering will be held next door at VANNELLI’S BY THE LAKE, 55 Lake St S, Forest Lake, until 3:30 PM.​

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Northwoods Humane Society, 7153 Lake Blvd, Wyoming MN 55092- in memory of Dixie.

​“I fought in the Vietnam War for the freedom of future generations. In memory of the 58,267 brothers & sisters who never returned, I shall join you now.”​

“I fought for my country. I hunted for my family. I fished for my soul.”