David A. Olenik

Salem-David A. Olenik, 50, of Salem, died Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Hospice House of Poland.

He was born May 31, 1964 in Salem, a son of Ronald F. and Aletha “Lee” Ramm Olenik and had lived in this area most of his life.

David was a 1982 graduate of Leetonia High School and had attended Current Electric School for one year. He played several instruments, played in the Junior Military Band and marched in the Macy’s Day Parade. David had worked for many years at his family’s business, the L & D Plaza Restaurant, Washingtonville, where he was both the kitchen manager and cook. He was a self-taught gourmet baker who loved to cook, bake and can for his family and friends. David had also worked at Salem Label and most recently, Exal Corp., where he worked as a lithographic printer since 2007. David also served as a first responder for both employers and was an avid blood donor, becoming a member of the “Gallon Club”.

He was very artistic and had an eye for details and enjoyed working on his home and decorating for the changing seasons. He had a knack for gardening and always kept the outside of his home looking nice. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved following his son Logan throughout his various sporting activities, as well as, passing down his skills in the kitchen to him. He also enjoyed his special trips to Sugar Creek where he had proposed to his best friend and companion, Karen. All of these things are what made David special, but he may best be remembered for his contagious laugh, friendly smile, fantastic sense of humor and his bright blue eyes. No matter the outlook, David always stayed positive and never let his illness discourage him.

He is survived by his wife, the former Karen L. Fersch, whom he married April 29, 1993; his son, Logan M. Olenik at home; his mother of Canfield; his father of Salem; three sisters, Darlene (Travis) Roberts of Dallas Fort Worth, TX, Sharon (Fiancée, Thomas Wilson) Benninghoff of Fredonia, PA and Donna (Ray) Symons of Salem; and a brother, Michael Olenik of Salem; mother and father-in-law, James and Shirley Fersch Sr. of East Liverpool; two sisters-in-law, Diana Fersch of Lisbon and Susan (Mark) Hines of Salem; a brother-in-law, James (Colleen) Fersch Jr. of Austin, TX; six nieces, Stacey, Saundra, Rikki, Valerie, Bobbi and Samantha; three nephews, Jason, Ben, and Zachary; four great nephews, Zander, Kaiden, Teagan, and Maddox and one great niece, Eden Joy. “Ray Ray” would never leave out his “Other Sisters”, Tawnya, Kim, Colleen and Marilyn.

David was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Howard and Irene Ramm; paternal grandparents, Frank and Helen Olenik and a niece, Chandra Benninghoff Kodali.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 20, 2015, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and on Saturday, March 21, 2015, from 10:00 am -11:00 am at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Arley Yorty and Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.

David’s final resting place will be the Washingtonville Cemetery where a private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lodge, 11432 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com