Oelrich, Charles D. 1872-1939

OELRICH, VANWYK, NUSSE

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Source: Sioux County Capital (5-18-1939)

Born: 1872
Died: May 14, 1939

After an illness of two months, Charles D. Oelrich, 67, died Sunday morning, May 14, at his home near Hull. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, 1:30 in the home and at 2 o’clock in the First Reformed Church, Reverend Mr. R. Jager officiated assisted by Reverend Mr. Arthur Schuldt of Mapleton, Iowa, formerly of Hull. The Oelrich family attended the American Reformed Church but services were held in the First Church because of its greater seating capacity.

Charles David Oelrich was the son of pioneers Carl and Augusta (Nusse) Oelrich, German immigrants, who homesteaded the Oelrich farm 3 ½ miles north of Orange City. He was the first child born of German parents in Sioux County and one of the first babies born in this county. He lived in this county his entire life. Mr. Oelrich received his schooling in a county school and later at the Northwestern Classical Academy.

On December 30, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Grace Van Wyk. They farmed at Middleburg for five years where three of their children were born. They then moved to their farm 1 ½ miles east of Hull where they resided for 38 years. Here seven children were born.

Mr. Oelrich is survived by his wife and 10 children who are: Carl of Armstrong, Iowa; Mitchell of Orange City; August of Slayton, Minnesota; Greta, Mrs. Tony Riepma, Spencer, Iowa; Lawrence of Hull; Henry of Armstrong, Iowa; George, Lamberton, Minnesota; Ivan of Lennox, South Dakota; Dorothy and Carol at home. Mr. Oelrich had 16 grandchildren. Four brothers also survive, George, Will, Fred and John.