Stanley Joseph Ozbolt “Ozzie” passed away Nov. 13, 2015 at Providence Centralia Hospital, in the presence of family, friends and fiancé, Diane Geib. He was born in Bucoda, Washington in 1924 to Joseph and Meltlda, immigrants from Yugoslavia (Croatia).
He attended high school in Tenino, where he graduated in 1942. He worked at Mutual Lumber Company in Bucoda, while attending Centralia Business College and finished with a associates degree.
Ozzie was in the Army Reserves, then joined in the Korean War era. He was assigned to Germany to help complete the occupation and earned the rank of 1st Sgt. When he returned from the service, he then worked for Hemphill O’Neil. At that time, he formed baseball teams with classmates and kids of the area. It was his love to teach and give advise to all on his baseball team. In later years, he was honored with his friends, naming the park, Stanley Ozbolt Park in Bucoda in 2011. He was mayor and treasurer of Bucoda from 1955-1963. Then, the legislature for two years and a custodian at Centralia High School, until he retired in 1994.
He married Carol Lee Vitter in 1965. They were married for 28 years, until her death from cancer. He was her supporter and caregiver always.
He was a member of the Tenino American Legion for 63 years and was honored with a membership Croatian Fraternity in Cle Elum, a member of the Tenino Depot Museum and Lewis County Historical Museum, for many years and lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where he was baptised and married. Ozzie was a active member and loved his church.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.
Flowers or donations may be made to St. Joseph School.
