Lester "Clare" Olmstead

Lester Clare Olmstead, 94, of Galien, passed away at home on April 9th 2021 in the loving care of his daughter, Karen and her husband, Bryan Wolfe. Clare was born on June 3rd 1926, to the late Lester and Eleanor (Boyce) Olmstead, in Galien, where he would be a lifelong resident. The family will receive guests from 5-7pm, Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Out of respect for the family and community, masks and social distancing will be required. A celebration of life will be held privately at the funeral home on Friday, April 16, 2021 proceeding to Galien Cemetery for a public committal service with military honors at 11am. Memorial contributions may be given to the Galien Historical Society, 108 Grant St., Galien, MI 49113. He served in the US Army during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines on the Island of Luzon. When the war ended, he was involved with the occupational forces in Japan until August 1946. He married Betty Ender in 1947 and they raised three children, Dennis, Karen and Craig, in Galien. Clare and Betty shared a passion for bowling and golf, with Clare happily playing second fiddle to his talented wife. During his 50 years as a builder, he constructed many prominent Galien commercial establishments including the post office, grocery store, bank and school gymnasium. Clare was also a major contributor to the restoration of Galien’s American Legion post, completing the building’s blockwork. Through his prolific work as a residential builder Clare established strong ties in Galien and Saugany Lake, with many of his clients becoming lifelong friends. Clare was an active community member who served on the board of Galien’s Centennial Celebrations, was a member of the Buchanan Moose Lodge, and often supported local American Legion Posts. In retirement he built furniture for family and friends using trees from his own property. He also revelled in making maple syrup in his sugar shack with friends who all acknowledged that he was the boss. He is survived by son Dennis (Glenda) Olmstead of Bermagui, Australia, Karen (Bryan) Wolfe of Granger, Indiana, Craig Olmstead of Galien, 5 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 3 step great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ender (dec. 1991); and his brothers, Dale (dec. 2001) and Kevin (dec. 2014).