Obituary of Thornton Garrett Olshaskie

Thornton Garrett Olshaskie, 76, of Lodi, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 11, 2006. Born May 2, 1930 in rural southern Illinois, Thornton was the second son to Benjamin Olshaskie of Pana, IL and Grace Garrett Olshaskie of Herrick, IL. Thornton married Betty Jean Foelsing of Shelbyville, IL on December 14, 1958. In the late 1960's, Thornton, Betty, and their three children packed up and moved to Salinas, CA, in pursuit of their California dreams. Shortly after the birth of their fourth child in Salinas, Thornton and his family once again packed up and moved north to Union City in the Bay Area. In 2002, Thornton and Betty made their final move to Lodi, CA. With a broad scope of interests, Thornton loved the wind in his hair as he drove his convertible, maintained his garden, read his favorite books, traveled with his family, and always won at trivia during holiday gatherings. Thornton was a hardworking, straight talking, compassionate husband and father. His family always knew that he would have given the shirt off his back for them and no matter what the situation or location; Thornton was always there to care for his family and help any way he could. Thornton lost his beloved wife of 47 years to cancer in November 2005. His love and devotion to his family was yet again witnessed in his constant care for his wife. Day and night, Thornton was by her side, giving all of himself in caring for her and ensuring her comfort and well-being. Thornton is survived by his children; daughters Ricki Lynn Sullivan of Nokomis, Illinois, Kelly Jean Olshaskie and Lori Anne Olshaskie of Lodi, sons Robert Alan Olshaskie of San Diego and Steven Lee Olshaskie of El Dorado Hills, grandchildren Rhiannon and Ian Rodriquez, Ryan and Alexandra Hodge, Olivia Ton Olshaskie, and Joshua and Holli Arrieta. Friends and family are invited for viewing on Tuesday at Lodi Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A chapel service for friends and family will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. Committal will be priate. Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Thornton Olshaskie may be made to The American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 or online at http://www.californialung.org/donate/donate.html.