Michael John Olhava

Michael John Olhava, 78, of Hebron, IL, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2023. Michael was born on August 11, 1944 in Chicago, IL to the late Max and Eleanor (Lucas) Olhava. Michael was a graduate of Weber High School in Chicago and spent his career (25+ years) as a chemistry teacher at Buffalo Grove High School. On July 13, 1974 he was united in marriage to Anne Marie Toms. 

Michael was a man of God, an active member of the Christian Life Church in Elkhorn, WI, and spent many years as a part of Full Gospel Business Men’s International fellowship organization. He had a great love of the outdoors – camping, fishing, golfing, and creating a magazine-cover worthy front yard with the greenest of grass and an abundance of flowers. 

Michael is known for his love of the Christmas season. His children recall magical Christmases with all the Christmas décor, fresh cut trees, and the ‘swimming’ in the aftermath of opened giftwrap. He loved setting up his Christmas villages and stringing up all the outdoor lights his trees could handle. Michael also instilled in his family that Jesus was the real Reason for the Season. 

Michael loved sports – from his high school basketball days to coaching his sons in little league to competitive horseshoe tournaments in his backyard.  He also was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox. He would want to us all to remember that the ’85 Bears were in fact, the BEST EVER.  

Michael is survived by his six children; Mary Olhava (Rick Borowick) of Tempe, AZ, Maxine (John) Schmidt of Carpentersville, IL, Mickey (Mariah) Olhava of Woodstock. IL, Joseph Olhava of Hebron, IL, Maureen (Jacob) Stonehocker of Hebron, IL and Annie (Brett) Bemann of Waukesha, WI, as well as 10 grandchildren; Rylan, Sawyer, and Julius Schmidt; Ferris Olhava; Paige, Scarlet, and Ethan Stonehocker; Adalene (Ady) Olhava; and Eleanor (Ellie) and Jocelyn (Josie) Bemann. He is also survived by his sisters; Sharon D’Andrea of Ingleside, IL, and Kathleen Toms of McHenry, IL. Michael’s cockapoo, Honey, is also alive and well and has now settled into retirement in Arizona. 

Michael was preceded in death by his loving wife Anne Marie, his parents, his sister Gloria Hoklas, and his grandson, Thor Bemann.

Services for Michael will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 11:00 am in the main chapel of Roselawn Memory Gardens in Lake Geneva, WI. A Celebration of Life open house to follow in Woodstock, IL. 

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is more than honored to be assisting Michael's family.

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