OLINGER, Merle James 1934 - 1978

OLINGER, SIMMER, DREW, YOUNKIN, WENZEL, ANDERSON

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 2/12/2014 at 14:59:56

MERLE JAMES OLINGER

Merle James Olinger was born August 21, 1934 south of Clear Lake, the son of Homer and Jeanette Olinger. He received his education in rural schools and graduated from the Clear Lake high school in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, spending part of this time in France. He farmed for a short time before working with the Farmers Lumber Company. He joined the staff of the Clear Lake Post Office in 1964 with whom he was still associated until his sudden death on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 6, at a Mason City hospital shortly after admittance, at the age of 44.

Mr. Olinger was married to Karen Simmer in 1965. Besides his wife he is survived by: four daughters, Mrs. Dawn Drew od Clear Lake, Dixie, who is in the service at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Tina and Barb at home; his parents, Homer and Jeanette Olinger of Alexander; four brothers, Harold of Clear Lake, Gary of Marion, Richard of Nevada and Kurt, U.S. Air Force, Offitt Base, Omaha; three sisters, Marlys, Mrs. Roger Younkin of Gilman, Marjorie, Mrs. Wayne Wenzel of Belmond and Marcia, Mrs. Dennis Anderson of Clear Lake, and two grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. The Rev Wayne Carlson officiated. Organist was Mrs. James Reynolds and soloist was Mrs. Dale Becker. Military rites were by Raymond and Robert Cash. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Louis Kofoed, Robert Engebretson, Nels Larsen, Jeff Van Slyke, Wayne Wood and Ronald Gustin.

NOTE – Merle James Olinger was born August 21, 1934 and died December 6, 1978.