Barbara D. Oehlerking 1928 - 2022

OEHLERKING, POPE, HENRY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/28/2022 at 17:47:42

Sioux City Journal
21 April 2022

Barbara D. Oehlerking

Sergeant Bluff

Barbara D. Oehlerking, 93, of Sergeant Bluff passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, after several months of declining health. During this time she was surrounded by her family and welcomed visits and calls by friends.

Visitation and a short prayer service will be held at the Sergeant Bluff Community United Methodist Church, 101 Baker Drive in Sergeant Bluff on Friday. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Community United Methodist Church followed by internment at Graceland Cemetery in Sioux City. Online condolences may be left for family at www.christysmith.com.

Barbara was born to Fritz and Flossie (Pope) Henry of Sloan, Iowa, on May 12, 1928. She had three siblings, Judson (Shirley) Henry, Marilyn (Gerald) Alfredson, and Richard (Francis) Henry. The family grew up on the family farm near Sloan. After graduating from Sloan High School, she started her career at a local Quaker Oats grain elevator where she managed transactions, tracked grain pricing, and helped to ensure the accuracy of grain inventories.

Barbara married Charles H. Oehlerking of Sergeant Bluff on Jan. 25, 1950. They lived on the Oehlerking family farm for the 72 years of their marriage, where they raised four children: Mark (Susan) of Clive, Iowa; Tom (Mary Anne) of Sergeant Bluff; Cindy (Monte) Wagner of Wilmington, N.C.; and Jon (Lori) of Sergeant Bluff. Barbara, like her mother, was a member of Eastern Star for over 75 years, and was active in the Faith Circle group and Lavender Ladies at the Sergeant Bluff Community United Methodist Church.

Barbara was instrumental in the growth and success of the family farming and business operation. She and Charles were true partners. She provided insights on all major decisions, managed the financial records, raised four children, and cooked hundreds of meals for the farm crews. Barb and Charlie started Oehlerking Fertilizer in the early 1960s. She could often be found delivering liquid fertilizer to local customers with all the kids in tow. Barb was involved in various school activities for her children, including Room Mother, Cub Scout den mother, and of course chauffeur. For over 70 years, Barbara looked forward to playing cards and catching up with good friends at the monthly "Merry Mom's Club." In later years, she and Charlie enjoyed meeting with groups of friends at McDonald's for coffee multiple times a week.

Barb and Charles enjoyed traveling to see new places and to visit the children and grandkids, especially when a good shopping mall was nearby. One her most cherished roles was as Nana to 11 grandkids and nine great-grandkids. Whether it was on FaceTime or in-person, she lit up when the grandchildren and great-grandkids were around.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Fritz and Flossie Henry; in-laws Charles A. and Dora L. Oehlerking; son Thomas Oehlerking; brother Judson Henry; sisters-in-law Francis Henry, Shirley Henry, and Gladys Ellery; and brothers-in-law Gerald Alfredson and Jim Ellery.

Memorials in Barbara's memory may be made to the American Kidney Fund.