Keith R Ollinger, 06 Apr 1933 - 04 Dec 2013

OLLINGER, BRECHT, RASH

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 12/11/2013 at 15:40:36

Ollinger, Keith R.

Keith R. Ollinger

Keith R. Ollinger, 80, passed away quietly on Dec. 4, 2013, with his wife of 60 years, Beryl, at his side. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Jude Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. by the Rev. Mark Reasoner. Burial: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Michaels Cemetery, Norway. The family will greet friends Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home, 3100 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, and after noon Saturday at the church. A vigil service will be Friday at the funeral home at 4 p.m.

Keith was born April 6, 1933, to Kathryn and John Ollinger in Keokuk County. He was raised, along with his three brothers and his sister, on a farm near Ladora, Iowa. He graduated from Marengo High School and married his high school sweetheart, Beryl Brecht, on May 23, 1953. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from August 1953 to 1955.

Keith is survived by his four sons, David (Peg) of Wind Lake Wis., Scott (Bonnie) of Cedar Rapids, Gary (Audrey) of Cedar Rapids and Brian (Karessa) of Robins; six grandchildren, Tomye-Lauren, Kortlan, Brandt, Elison, Brena and Amanda; one great-grandson, Grayson; his sister, Betty (Jim) Rash; brother- and sisters-in-law, Marion, Sally, Marlyn (Elaine) Brecht and Linda Brecht; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bernard, Evert and Howard; brother-in-law, Donald Brecht; and sister-in-law, Lois Ollinger.

Keith was a peaceful, gentle, hardworking man who was devoted to his wife, sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his boys participate in athletics and music events and enjoyed watching the grandchildren’s activities. Basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, theatre or recitals, he was there cheering and supporting them.

When he returned home from the service, Keith worked for several years at Wilson & Co. as a clerk, department head and foreman. Keith was a successful home builder, starting his career in 1963 and retiring in 2000. He built numerous homes throughout the Linn and Benton county area. He was president of the Cedar Rapids/Marion Home Builders Association for several terms before his retirement. He was also a member of the Swisher American Legion.

Keith will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Published Dec. 5, 2013 in The Gazette