Russell Olliso

Russell Nick Olliso Sr., 79, went to be with his Lord and wife, Thursday, February 16, 2006 from residence. Mr. Olliso was born in Topeka on August 17, 1926 to Samuel A. and Rosa Sasso Olliso, the 12th of a family of 13, and grew up in the Topeka area. Mr. Olliso was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Philippines and during the occupation of Japan. After his tour of duty, he married Barbara Jo Smith in 1947. She preceded him in death in 2003. Mr. Olliso was a warehouseman for the Fleming Companies in Topeka for 31 years and for Famous Brands for 10 years before retiring in 1990. He enjoyed metal detecting, coin collecting, gardening, and restoring antique cars. But mostly, he enjoyed his home and family. He is survived by daughter, Nita Harrell and her husband Ed of Topeka, sons; Russell Jr., Grantville, John D., Topeka, Jim and his wife Sue, Auburn, and daughter Marggie Koci and her husband Galen of Topeka. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Anthony, Andrew, and Joseph Harrell; Kelsey and Casey Olliso; Sam and Sarah Olliso; Jamie and Jeremie Olliso; Jeanette Parkison; Ronda, Beth , and Chad Koci, and by his great-grandchildren: Ali Harrell, Nicholas Olliso, Savanna Lessman, Caiden and Jayda Olliso. Mr. Olliso is also survived by a sister, Mary Scheffelbein of Garden City, sister-in-law, Jeannie Olliso, Topeka, a brother-in-law, Ray Gene George, Indiana, and by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Olliso was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, and 11 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2006 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery with Military Honors from Ft. Riley Casualty Detail. Mr. Olliso will lie in state after 1:00 p.m., Sunday, with family receiving friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday evening. Memorial Contributions may be given to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Rd, Topeka, 66617 or to Guardian Angels Private Health and Transportation, Topeka, Kansas 66603.