GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s been just over a year since John Olson pulled a cloth-covered bag from a dark, dusty corner of a shelf lining Degage Ministries’ basement.
“We pulled it out, and it was very heavy. And I was like, ‘What it this?’” said Olson, who works as a maintenance man for the Grand Rapids organization.
He pulled back the cover, revealing an urn. A plaque on the urn indicated it contained the cremated remains of John E. Neal, who was born March 18, 1916 and died April 6, 2006.
Olson wanted to return the remains to Neal's family, but couldn’t find any living relatives. What he did discover is that Neal was a veteran of World War II.
And so began a new mission for the Vietnam veteran.
“Because I'm a vet myself,” said Olson, choking back his emotions at times. “I especially wanted to see that John got buried. So, it's kind of a personal thing.”
Full story: WOOD TV