Olaf “Olie” Tokheim is the grand marshal for next Wednesday’s Sunrise Kiwanis Fourth of July parade that starts at 10 a.m. along North Main Street.

It’s only fitting given Tokheim is the same age as the City of Manteca — 100 years old.

The centenarian is still quite capable and has seen it all from serving in World War II to working at Sharpe and Tracy Defense depots to living a cherished life with his late wife Loraine.  Their son Joel is an accomplished physical therapist with his practice on East Yosemite Avenue at Cottage Avenue.

Joel accompanied his Dad to Washington, D.C., a couple years ago  on the Central Valley Honor Flight honoring the veterans of World War II where he visited the World War II Memorial.  It was one of his greatest adventures seeing the countless veterans from his era in the service, he noted when they returned to Manteca.

Olie’s greatest personal tragedy was with the passing of his wife Lorraine.  They were an easily recognized couple always being together where ever they went throughout the community.  She was a Welcome Wagon Lady in the community in the early ‘60s and would visit newcomers moving into Manteca taking them gifts from the merchants she worked with as part of their advertising.

For those who knew them both, their love of community was never questioned.  Now those along the parade route on Independence Day will get a chance to applaud Olie for the man he has become and the life he has enjoyed in Manteca. 

 To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.