Wallace "Wally" Matthew Ollila, 80, of Jackson and Cedarville, was a decorated World War II veteran who was employed as a teacher and the Dean of Occupational Education at Jackson Community College. Mr. Ollila died Sunday, August 6, 2006.

He was born January 28, 1926, to Mattie August and Nelma (nee Hakala) Ollila. Although he was born in Detroit, he grew up in Hancock and considered himself an Upper Peninsula native. Orphaned at an early age, he and his four siblings lived with relatives and then lived at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids.

Mr. Ollila served in World War II and was distinguished with a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, and several other decorations. He earned an associate's degree from Suomi College in Hancock, a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University, and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Mr. Ollila was a member and elder at Jackson First Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir. He served his community on the United Way board, the local and national YMCA boards, Speech and Hearing Clinic board, and the JCC Foundation Board.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia Eve Ollila, a daughter and her family, Wendy and Randall Treacher, and a son and his family, Eric and Teri Ollila. He was a loving grandfather of Andrea, Sarah, and Matthew Ollila, Tim and Mark Lake, and Colin Treacher.

A funeral was held at First Presbyterian Church Wednesday, August 9, at 11 a.m. with the Reverend James Hegedus officiating. Visitation was held at the church Tuesday, August 8, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial was at Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the scholarship fund at Jackson First Presbyterian Church or the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids.