Obituary of Olav Daniel Vedvik

Olav Daniel Vedvik, longtime Rockaway Township resident Olav Vedvik, 92, passed away peacefully at home, on Sunday, February 2nd surrounded by his loving family. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 7th at 11 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Green Pond Rd., Rockaway, NJ. Interment to follow at Marcella Union Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 6th from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the church. To send a message of condolence, please go to www.normandean.com Olav was born in 1921 to the late Ole Larsen and Laura Monsen. As a young man during WWII he joined the Norwegian Navy as a Gunner's Mate. He also served in the Merchant Marine aboard steamship "Keret". This ship was torpedoed, at night, in the North Atlantic. The ship sank in one minute and 13 lives were lost. Seven survived, Olav being one of those men. After two days on a raft they were picked up by a British ship and taken to Nova Scotia. He was awarded several military medals for his service and dedication during the war. In 2011, Olav, his daughters and approximately 240 other Krigsseileres (war sailors) were invited to Kristiansand, Norway, to be part of the christening of the D/S Hestmanden. This ship survived WWI and WWII and has been refurbished as a floating museum. The King was part of the celebration and personally honored each war sailor with a shake of the hand and a smile. The event included a special luncheon with the King, as well, as musical entertainment and various speeches. On the eve prior to the event, pictures and interviews took place with the sailors in the hope of documenting their unique stories for future educational purposes and securing their rightful place in history. Olav described that fateful night when his ship was torpedoed. He spoke of the luck that he was on deck and therefore survived, of the friends he lost, and that afterward he just got back out on another ship and carried on. When asked if he had any positive memories of that time, he responded with "Yes, I met a girl in Brooklyn!" That girl was his beloved wife Elvy, who passed away in 2010. Olav enjoyed sharing stories of his travels as a sailor and of how he was able to see the world. Olav was active in many organizations through the years, including the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Council and Choir Member); Vasa, Nor-Bu Lodge, Sons of Norway in Lake Telemark, Planning Board & Board of Adjustments of Rockaway Township and the Masons. Upon settling in Rockaway Township in the 1950's, he started his own business as a skilled carpenter and general contractor. He truly was a master craftsman, known for his exceptional work, standards, and integrity. Through the years, Olav frequently visited his home and family in Norway. His last trip home was in 2012, where he had the good fortune to travel with his three daughters and many of his grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife Elvy; he is survived by his loving daughters Ellen Lodato (Peter), Lori Vedvik and Kim Dwyer (Greg); his adoring grandchildren Erin Lago (Rick), Chad Lodato (Caitlin), Kari Maitilasso (Matt), Jenna Lodato, Kristi Vedvik (Travis), Katie Vedvik, and Mackenzie Dwyer; his great-grandchildren Jaden, Ashton, Kian, Milan, Elin, and baby boy Lodato on the way; admiring nieces and nephews in Norway; and many more dear relatives and friends.