Obituary of Antonio S. Olvera

Olvera, Antonio S. "Tony" Jr. Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Covenant Health Care - Cooper. He was 79 years old. Antonio S. Olvera Jr. was born on February 15, 1936 in Austin, Texas to the late Antonio G. and Ester (Sanchez) Olvera. He was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1955, where he had enjoyed playing varsity football. Tony was drafted in 1960 and served proudly in the U.S. Army. He was married to Mary Frances Silva on November 27, 1965. Following his service with the military, Tony worked for Olvera Construction. He then went onto manage Taco Villa and Casa del Rey until 1985. Tony then furthered his education at Delta College, and became a Coordinator/Counselor for the Saginaw Public Schools, retiring in 1999 from Arthur Hill High School. Tony's favorite past time was cooking, and for fun he and his family cooked and served authentic Mexican food once a month at the Office Lounge for many years. He was a member of the American G.I. Forum, Tri-City SER, LULAC, Saginaw County Economic Development, Moose Lodge, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post #22. Tony is survived by his children: Louise M. Duran and Michael (Jeanne) Olvera; grandchildren: Alison (Miguel) Gonzalez, Alexander Duran, Samantha Olvera, Lance Corp. Ian Olvera and Marissa Olvera; great grandchildren: Alivia Duran and Alexander Duran, Jr.; long-time companion, Joanne Martin; former wife, Mary Frances Olvera; former son-in-law, Mark Duran; siblings: Mary Murillo, Lazaro (Margaret) Olvera and Jose (Donna) Olvera; sister-in-law, Carmen Olvera, also many nieces and nephews. Tony was preceded in death by his siblings: Edward (Ella) Olvera, Nieves "Snow" (Sandy) Olvera, German Olvera, Max (Rachel) Olvera, Concepcion "Sam" Olvera, Teresa (Pedro) Castillo and Paul (Esther) Olvera. Tony's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Covenant HealthCare - Cooper, 3rd floor and CCU nurses and staff for their compassion and care. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy for Tony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th St., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris OFM Cap will officiate. Military honors under the auspices of the U.S. Army and American Legion Post #22 will follow Mass at the church. Private interment will be held at a later date. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). A vigil will be held Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Tony will lie in state at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Shriner's Hospital for Children. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com