Olavi Oja

Olavi “Snipe” Oja, 89 of Walnut Lane, Everett, died January 10, 2003 at Pennknoll Village Nursing Home.  He was born on July 10, 1913 in Worchester, MA, a son of the late Ansalm and Hilja (Kuhmonen) Oja.  On September 16, 1943 in Fitchburg, MA.  He married Dorothy Lamouette and she survives along with 2 daughters:  Janice wife of Michael Imgrund of Winston Salem, NC and Lois wife of Thomas Stoner of Everett, 1 granddaughter Karen wife of John Deak of Chicago IL.  He was preceded in death by 1 sister Signe Moore.

Mr. Oja graduated in 1931 from the former Templeton High School, he then went to work for the Hedstrom Union Company.  He was drafted in March 1941 and served in the Eurpoean Theater with the 90th Division, 359th Infantry.  He received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Award. After being discharged, he moved to Gardner, MA and lived there for 20 years with his wife. He then returned to work for Hedstrom and moved with them to Bedford in 1966 and worked in Bedford until his retirement in 1978.  Mr. Oja was the organizer of the Bedford Area Photography Club, and had been an active member of the Gardner, MA photography club when he lived there.  He was a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Funeral Services:  Tuesday,  January 14, 2003 at 2:00 PM from the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with the Rev. Jeffrey Welsch officiating, Burial in Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA.  Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, MA, c/o Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001.