Olga Mesik

Olga Mesik, age 99, passed away peacefully at Vicinia Gardens, Otsego, MI on November 14, 2021. She was born at home on April 25, 1922, to Prokop “Joseph” and Eudokija “Emma” (Lytwyn) Magierka in Alamo Township, Kalamazoo, MI. Olga had four brothers and four sisters; all have preceded her in death. She always celebrated her birthday on April 24th because that is when her mother said she was born, and her father put the wrong date on her birth certificate when he went to town! Her parents operated a mint and dairy farm. They were a typical farming family that worked the farm, and everyone had their chores. Olga spent her time watching the younger children and helping her mother cook. Electricity was brought to their farm during her early high school years. Until that time she had to do her homework by candlelight or a lantern. Later in life she said that electricity was the greatest invention. She married Walter Mesik on October 19, 1940, in Chicago, IL. She met Walter through family friends her parents had while living in Chicago before she was born. Olga and Walter lived in Chicago for a couple years before settling on their farm in Alamo Township, Kalamazoo, MI. They raised cattle, chickens and then cash crops soybeans and corn while living within 4 miles of her childhood home. Walter preceded her in death. She is survived by her two sons, Walter James (Vicki) Mesik and Dennis Bruce (Inge) Mesik, five grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Olga worked at Sutherland in Kalamazoo until a corporate takeover occurred and then retired from Tru-Heat in the City of Allegan. She loved animals, she always had a cat or dog around and it really bothered her to see animals abused. Over the years she donated to many of the abused animal organizations. Olga enjoyed working around the yard in her flowerbeds or vegetable garden. Cooking was her passion. She was best known for her pedaheh (the Ukraine perogi) and handmade holubtsi (Ukraine cabbage rolls). During her lifetime she must have made thousands of them. There were very seldom any leftovers. She made sure that her family knew how to carry on her traditions, guests or family could not come and visit without eating or leaving taking food with them. She will be greatly missed. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Wishbone Pet Rescue, PO Box 124, Douglas, MI 49406 or The Medical Team Hospice Fund, 400 Ann Street N.W., Suite 104, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. In accordance with the family's wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in the spring on a date close to her 100th birthday. Full details are still pending. While visiting Olga's tribute page please take a moment to light a candle or share a memory with the family. The Mesik family is being assisted by McCowen and Secord Family Funeral Homes Marshall-Gren Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881