Obituary of Juan R. Olivarez

OLIVAREZ, Juan R. "Sonny Boy" of Saginaw, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2012 at McLaren Bay Region. He was 57 years old. Juan R. Olivarez was born May 19, 1954 in Saginaw to Ernesto and Esmergilda (Reyna) Olivarez. Sonny earned his Bachelors of Science degree from U of M, while working for General Motors - Steering Gear as a Millwright, for 37 years retiring from their Grand Rapids location in 2009. Juan also taught skilled trades at Delta College. He had earned his Black Belt in karate and enjoyed instructing children. Sonny was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In his free time his sport of choice was golf, he loved the game, the friendships and the competition. Sonny is survived by his children: Christine M. Olivarez, Juan R. Olivarez Jr., and Mario Chantaca; six grandchildren: Gordon E. Hamilton Jr., Jordon L. Hamilton, Tommie L. Jackson III., Alyeska D. Olivarez, Dallas J-M Olivarez, and Jonna L. Olivarez; two great-grandchildren: Jordon L. Hamilton Jr. and Nevaeh Lynn Harshbarger; mother, Esmergilda Olivarez; five brothers: Ernesto (Jennifer) Olivarez Jr., Jose (Pat) Olivarez, Raymond Olivarez, Ruben (Maria) Olivarez and David (Joceline) Olivarez; four sisters: Perla Zavala, Gilda (Dan) Huerta, Erlinda (Adolfo) Martinez, Graciela (Robert) Delgado; former wife, Hoelga Salinas, extended family, Carolynn Benavides; special friend Bindi Sampley. Also cherishing his memory are many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernesto Olivarez, and a great-granddaughter, Natalia Lynn Hamilton. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Fr. Thomas Schmied, OFMCap will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Sonny will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Olivarez Discretionary Fund c/o Christine Olivarez. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.