John Olav Oien

August 15, 1939 - June 25, 2020

John Olav Oien, passed away June 25, 2020. He was born August 15, 1939 at Boardman Valley Hospital in Traverse City to Peter and Eleanor Oien. He lived his first six years on North Manitou Island, moving to Traverse City in 1945. John went to Boardman Grade School, and graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1957. He did odd jobs until enlisting in the United States Army, June of 1959, serving three years until June of 1962. He was a heavy equipment operator in Korea with the combat engineers, and upon returning to the U.S. in December of 1960 he worked as a specialist in personnel administration and Army finance at Ft. Leonardwood, MO., earning rank of Specialist 5th Class, E-5. He received several letters of appreciation and commendation at Ft. Leonardwood. He was also an expert with the carbine rifle. In June of 1964 John met Judy Gibbons in Leland at the “Bluebird” while she was vacationing at the family summer home. In June of 1965 they married in Greileckville at the Justice of the Peace’s residence, Clyde Hazzard. In April of 1963 John began work at DeWeese Hardware in T.C. until August of 1966. He then began working at Burwood Products Co. He stayed with that company for 27 years working as an engineering draftsman, and cost estimator in the product planning and development Dept., retiring in 1992. In retirement John worked several part time jobs such as a bank courier, airbourne express delivery, skilled machine operator. Eventually he retired permanently from the Suttons Bay Post Office in January of 2000. Other than three years in the Army and living 15 years in Leland, John spent the rest of his years living in Traverse City. Retirement at Waterview Ridge Condo Association brought interests in walking, U.S. and Canada travel, a 2014 Mustang convertible, 2002 Ford Thunderbird and a 1959 Ford Thunderbird, and his best buddy, a cat named Georgie. John was also an avid bowler from 1963-1990, bowling in many Traverse City leagues. John is survived by his wife Judy and brother Marcus; 4 nieces; 5 nephews; numerous cousins, and best buddy Georgie the cat. Please leave a condolence or visit John’s tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com