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William B. Oelkers
William B. Oelkers
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William Oelkers Obituary
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M. Ray Pope
August 17, 2009
August 15, 2009
We first met Bill when he returned from his successful mission and reported to the Anoka Ward. It was obvious then why his parents were so proud of him. He was a great advisor to the young men, popular sunday school teacher, and a fine role model for his siblings. Cathie, as happy as we were when you and Bill were married, we were equally sad to know he is gone. We love you. and pray that
you will be comforted and strengthened
by your many friends and your own testimony of the atonement.Please give our love to Anna Mae, all your family. Wanda and Ray Pope.
Mardie Tobler
August 17, 2009
Dear Cathie and family,
We just heard about Bill's passing. We are so sorry and reach out to you with hearts full of love and compassion. We remember you and Bill as a young couple with a young family like ours so many years ago. I have known Bill since I was 8 years old. Now you are the faces we hope to see when we visit Minnesota. We know that the Lord and your great faith will sustain you and give you peace.
Here's one for all of you: Remember moving the piano and Bill's famous last words about it?... "We don't need to tie it down. It weighs a ton."
Love to all,
Gareth and Mardie Tobler
William Holman
August 17, 2009
Dear Oelkers family,
Our hearts are aching as we have just learned about Brother Oelkers this morning. Immediately, a rush of fond memories comes to mind of counting tithing, telling stories about our parents and grandparents, pianos falling off the backs of trucks, big hugs, and your entire family's love for us. Cathie was one of the first people who knew we were engaged, late one Saturday night at the temple. Bill was the first person to help Elizabeth feel at home in the Uptown Ward. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your entire family.
With love,
Will, Elizabeth, Megan and Lucy Holman
Jennifer Ruggles
August 16, 2009
Dear Dana and Amy, We just heard about your dad. We love you so much and are praying for you and your family to feel God's spirit of peace and comfort. We are thinking a lot about you every day. Love, The Ruggles in Texas (Amy's college roommate).
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Bob
August 13, 2009
Dear Oelkers Family,
I own a real estate referral network that Bill belongs to. I just received word from a client about Bill's passing. I am absolutely devastated by the news. I had (have) absolute trust in Bill to always do the right thing. When Bill first signed up with us, I called his broker for a character reference. He said, "I will tell you how great Bill is--I begged him to come to work for me." I still remember that comment and it has been eight or nine years ago now. Today is a bad day for me but tomorrow will be better. I know that peace has been a part of the Oelkers home and it will continue to be that way forever. I look forward to meeting seeing Bill again.
Bob
August 12, 2009
We just learned today of Bill's passing. We knew Bill through Cooper Football and the Booster Club. Trent and our son, Bobby, played football and sang together. Bill was a great leader, committed to our high school and to our community and a very caring human being. His family meant everything to him. Condolences to Cathie, Trent and all Bill's other children and extended family, Preston and Betsy McMillan, Bob and Abbie (New Hope)
Ron Holm
August 12, 2009
Cathie,
You and Bill were young parents (Dana had just joined you) when JoAnn and I moved to another ward and stake. Prior to that, lifelong memories of softball tournaments and friendships were formed.
For the past thirty-plus years since, we've enjoyed seeing the Oelkers at regional events and the temple, as well as learning of family events and growth from DL and Ann.
We were so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He is a great man, much like his dad. I remember Lou Oelker's philosophy when we went on an athletic field short-handed, "We'll go with what we've got."
Cathie, with your family's love and the Savior's help, you've got a lot going for you. God bless you and godspeed as you move forward.
Love and support, Ron and JoAnn
Brittany Harris
August 12, 2009
Trent-
I only met your dad a few times over the years, but I heard nothing but great stories from Darryl. If he was anything like you, I'm sure he was an amazing person. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Brittany and Darryl
Sean Dooley
August 12, 2009
To All of the Oelkers Family,
The news of Bill's passing reached me today...
I pray that comfort will be yours in the days to come.
Growing up in the Anoka Ward in the 60's & 70's I pretty much viewed Bill as an extension of his father, Bishop Oelkers. It was probably at the Bishop's promptings that Bill invited me, the goofy younger kid, to the church dances to help me find my social skills... We laughed... Bill was always kind to me...
This line from Shakespeare reminds me of Bill and those days. "His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, "This was a man!"
Sam George
August 11, 2009
Bill is such a wonderful man. Three things you always knew about Bill when interacting with him were his love for the gospel, his love for his family, and his love for athletics. I'm grateful for his example and support. One of the more memorable moments of my youth was participating on the city softball team he assembled with a bunch of us young men from the Church. We not only did well but went on to win the league championship. Bill was a champion and he treated everyone around him like champions. He will surely be missed.
Kate (kranz) Dennison
August 11, 2009
Trent, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. Your dad was a great man and you all are a testament of your dads faith in Christ. with all my love, Kate (Kranz) Dennison, Ellen and Bill Kranz( Kates mom and dad)
Billy Hoops
August 11, 2009
My dad and I were walking out of the chapel in the Stake Center. As we were leaving, Bill was in his spot and my Dad introduced me to him. I said, "Hi Bill." My Dad then slapped me over the back of the head and said, "You call him Brother Oelkers." As my dad then started to leave, Bill tapped me on the shoulder, winked at me and said, "You can call me Bill." Not sure why I remember, but I will always remember times spent with Bill on and off the field. Playing with (or against... sorry Cooper High) the Oelker Boys, dancing with Cori, or Blayde forcing me to dance with girls the night after I got back from Argentina. My memories of the Oelkers family were always very comfortable and happy, and all led by you and your husband. I only hope my family can create similar experiences for those we coach and associate with.
August 11, 2009
Hi again you guys. I absolutely agree with Luke. The people kept coming last evening 08/10/09. That shows the impact your dad had on so many. Denise and I were there today also, laughing and crying with everone else. I love your dad! and yes Dana Bennett..its just not right. Love and prayers. Hoops
Holly Carlson
August 11, 2009
Cori and Family, I'm so sorry to hear about you loss. Keep memories of you father close to your heart. We are praying for you.
Tami Rasmussen Bennett
August 11, 2009
Cathie,
When Sandra called and told me about Bill, I had a memory of him in my mind as a young athletic man in the 1970 - 1980's at Grandma Rasmussen's home. How time changes us all. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers on this graduation day for your dear husband.
Love you,
Laurie Reece-Lindgren
August 11, 2009
cathie,
i'm so sorry for your loss. bill was a great man. i will always be thankful for his blessing in my time of need. may your memories help you through your grief.
with love,
Michelle Crandall Rotell
August 11, 2009
Oelkers Family~
My heart aches for you and thoughts and prayers are with your entire family through this difficult time.
Cori, Kort and Trent~
I feel privileged to have met you and gotten to know each of you during our time at Cooper High School. You are all amazing people with a true gift for being open, loving, friendly, and caring. I know that your sense of family and the love for your parents and God shaped you into who you are and I know that your Dad played a huge role in that. I remember the cast parties at your house, both your parents were so warm and accomodating and made me feel welcome. Although this is a very difficult time, I hope you are each able to take away the feeling of joy from having such an amazing Dad.
Take care and keep in touch.
Brad & Rosie Johnson
August 10, 2009
Cathie and Children,
We want to extend our deepest condolences to you at this difficult time. Bill was a choice man who taught us many lessons during our time in MN. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we wish we could be at the funeral to share this with you in person.
May God Bless You,
Brad and Rosie Johnson
Glenn and Nicole Perez
August 10, 2009
Blayde and family,
Words cannnot express how deeply sorry my family and I are for the loss of your dad. Bill was a great man and will be greatly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to know him as I did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne & Teresa Ullevig
August 10, 2009
To the entire Oelkers Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. May the happy memories you have of your brother, father, friend bring you some peace during this difficult time.
Craig DeLong
August 10, 2009
My condolences to the Bill Oelkers family. It has been years since I have seen Bill, but knew him to be a man of character and honesty. I never knew his family since I have been out of the MN region for a number of years now. My memories go wayyy back in the Anoka Ward days of the 60's and 70's when Bill was a bit younger. I know he loved the sports, but was later sidelined due to bad knees. I only heard good reports about his work in real estate and that he accrued a good and trusted name. We're reeling from the loss of a 21 year old young man in our PA ward due to a skateboarding accident, but there is no sense of 'finality'. Thank God for the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. May the Spirit be with each of you at this time of great sorrow and loss. May your pain turn to joy on the morning of that Great Day!
Dave and Jen Sjoberg
August 10, 2009
In reading the many entries posted here, it definitely shows what a wonderful man that Bill was and that he touched so many people's lives. Bill was also a character with a wonderful sense of humor. We have great and fun memories of times we shared with Bill, mostly on the golf course! He always reminded me of a big teddy bear! Dana and Amy and the rest of the Oelkers family, you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we know that you will see him again someday.
Garry and Joan Olson
August 10, 2009
Please accept out deepest sympathies.
We were fortunate to be part of the Cooper Football family and therefore yours as well.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith & Judy Leech
August 10, 2009
Dana: We were so very saddened to hear of your Dad's death. While we only met him once, we felt like we knew him. He was so helpful and kind in our search for a home here in Minnesota. Getting to know Blayde was a treat too. What a great family. I know your Dad will be sorely missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We know how much your Dad meant to you. May the happy memories help heal the sorrow.
Keith and Judy Leech
Dana, Mom and Dad pursuing one of lifes pleasures
August 10, 2009
David & Ann Henstrom
August 10, 2009
Bill showed no guile and blessed many with his unconditional love. We are going to miss the great smile, handshake, and advice along the way from Bill. He touched our eldest sons' life as a sunday school teacher and as a hometeachee. No-nonsense, without 'airs' Christian service is what I'll remember most about Bill. You will be sorely missed. Tender thoughts to you, Cathie, and the whole Oelkers family.
Elgene Jorgenson
August 10, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. No words can express my sorrow. Just remember the happy times and the funny things.
My love and prayers to you all.
Jeff Cota
August 10, 2009
Blayde -
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott Nelson
August 10, 2009
My sincere condolences to you in your loss. I never met Bill, but we spoke on the phone many times and through emails as he helped his clients in securing appliances for their new homes. In the short year that we did business, I found him to be honest, forthright and a true gentleman. A few weeks ago we talked about 'getting together for lunch' because we had never met face to face. I am so sorry we never got the chance. Reading the testimonies of friends and family, I concur that he was a true gentleman. He will be missed by many but take comfort in his rest. May his memory continue to be a blessing to you.
Megan Lindgren-Geren
August 10, 2009
Blayde
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. All my love and prayers
Barbara Littman
August 10, 2009
Dana
During the time we worked together at Dayton's/Target I learned how much you admired, respected and loved your father. Please accept my condolences and extend them to your family.
Adam Hornung
August 10, 2009
It is always a difficult thing to say goodbye to someone who seems to have been taken to early. In moments like these it causes you to reflect on what it is that makes a great man. I did not know Bill as well as many of you did but I know that the measure of a great man is manifest in the way his wife, children, and grandchildren speak of him. By this time tested measurement Bill was, and continues to be, a giant of a man. Our deepest sympathies and hope for extreme comfort at a time of exterme difficulty from our family to yours. We love you guys.
Adam and Jennifer Hornung
August 10, 2009
Blayde and family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Ross Jerpseth and Family
S Maher
August 10, 2009
Brother & Sister Oelkers were present at my Patriarchal Blessing. Brother Oelkers was like a second Father to me. I am so greatful to have had the pleasure of being his friend. Bill, I will miss you my friend.
Steve Bibus
August 10, 2009
Bill was my work/study student at North Hennepin Community College. He helped my wife & I buy our first home which we lived in for 25 years, so it was a good purchase. Two years ago, he helped us sell it too; talk about customer retention! I miss hearing him talk about birds eye maple floors, glass doorknobs, and how he loved his job and his family. Happy trails Bill.
Sandra Oveson
August 10, 2009
Cathie
Thank goodness your Mom and I keep in touch through email but as I opened her message on Friday and read the news my heart hurt for you. How well I remember the strength you have and I know that you will be able to get through the tough days that are ahead. Please know that a day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about you and your family. You are in my prayers and how I wish that I could be there at this difficult time. Even though we haven't seen each other for many years my love for you has never diminished. Hang in there cous.
Love you
Paul Oelkers
August 10, 2009
My big brother was a mountain of a man. (In more ways than one.) He was the rare person who truly lived to serve his fellow man. I will miss all his advice. (Even the bad advice.) I have never known a more gentle soul, or a man with a greater understanding of the plan of salvation. I miss him already.
David Kline
August 10, 2009
Bill hired me to babysit his five kids more times than I can remember as a teenager. His kindness made an impression on me years later when he helped Emily and I buy our first home (and second one too). I had complete trust in his judgment and integrity and know that he passed that trait onto his children. Bill's humor and advice will be missed by many. Thank you Bill for your wonderful example to me.
What a wonderful grandpa - he will be missed
Cori Taylor
August 10, 2009
There really are no words to describe how amazing my Dad was. I think more than anything he showed me and told me everyday how much he loves me. He taught me how to love. How to love me family - my spouse, my children, my mother, my brothers, my in-laws and how to love my God. I am blessed to have had him in my life and am so sad that the time with him here had to be cut short.
His "favorite girl"
Cori
Scott & Terry Bunke
August 9, 2009
Cathie, Dana, Blayde, Cori, Kort and Trent (and the others who have joined your family over the years), we want you to know that Bill has been a great neighbor and friend over the years. He always went out of his way to chat and catch up with us. He was so proud of each of you and we know he will be greatly missed as he had such a profound influence in your lives on a day-to-day basis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
tim & rindy wilson
August 9, 2009
Bill is a life-long loved friend, a friend of my parents, a friend of my children. He is loved by us all and we all deeply grieve his passing. Our thoughts, our prayers, our mourning, our hope is with all the Oelkers
Mike & Sue Hurt
August 9, 2009
To all the Oelker family
When we moved to Maple Grove in 1995, Bill and the Oelker family all reached out to us and welcomed us into their lives. He was a wonderful teached by example. What a great father, husband and son he was to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Oelker family.
We will miss him!
All our love Mike & Sue Hurt
August 9, 2009
We loved Bill so much - he coached our son and taught our daughters in Sunday School. He was a great friend in every way. Our hearts go out to the Oelkers family. We will miss Brother Bill so much!
Love, Brad & Ann Taylor
Coleen & DeLore Beach
August 9, 2009
When Bill married our daughter Cathie we knew he would be a special addition to "our" family. He has been an inspiration in raising his children and being a companion to Cathie. We do appreciate what he has accomplished and how he took care of his special family. We admired Bill and respected him and will miss him very much.
Steven George
August 9, 2009
I was sad to hear the passing of a very dear friend. Bill meant allot to our family. Bill was my son's coach. Sam admired Bill as a great coach and looked up to him. His inspired leadership made a difference in Sam's life. Bill was a very dear friend and I will miss him. May the Lord bless his family and may Bill find happiness with his family and friends in paradise.
Kathy Adamson
August 9, 2009
Cori.
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. I was fortunate to get to know you and your family at Cooper H.S. I know that you are a very close family and that your dad will be missed very much. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Love, Kathy Adamson
Donald Gordhamer
August 9, 2009
There was a time when giants walked the earth. Those that knew Bill, knew they were dealing with a Giant of a Man, with a heart to match. I am sorry for the loss, but grateful to have known and learned so much from such as he.
Our sympathy, love and warmest regards to his family.
Don and Marilyn Gordhamer
William Hoops Sr.
August 9, 2009
I knew from the very first day Billy and I met, we would be friends. The lives he touched and the love he shared would cram this website. Denise and I adore him. We have spent the whole weekend remembering how he cared for us and helped us. we will miss him. My condolences to you kate, and all the kids. Love Hoops
Heres Dad doing what he does best
Trent Oelkers
August 9, 2009
I have heard people say sometimes that in large families some of the younger children don't get as much attention as the older children. As the youngest son in my family I have never been left wanting the attention of my father or mother until now. I want to hug him, kiss him, and simply hear him. He made me what I am today and my heart aches that I have to wait to see him again, but at least I know I will see him again.
Jay & Mary Markfelder
August 9, 2009
Bill was a great friend and mentor.During the many times we played Golf together Bill always talked about his family, and what each of his kids and grand kids were up to, he was so proud of each of you. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & Jackie Morley
August 8, 2009
I know that we are only one family among the dozens of people that Bill quietly helped during his wonderful life. Not only did he help us find the home we have been in the last 9 years, but he always had a kind word or thought to share. We will pray for the comfort of all the Oelkers' family and the lives of so many others he touched.
Ed and Liz Fisher
August 8, 2009
Cathie, We are so sorry to hear about Bill passing. He was a wonderful man and I loved working with him in the Bishopric of the Uptown Ward and seeing him at the Temple. He will be sorely missed. We wish you the very best and know that our prayers are with you along with your family. We know that God is watching over you in everything that you do. God bless you. Ed and Liz Fisher
August 8, 2009
Dana
Our condolences to you and your whole family. We pray for the Holy Spirit to be with and comfort you and yours during this difficult time. We know of your faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and we know it will sustain you.
Merrill and Linda Gray
Kelly Pope Anstead
August 8, 2009
Bill was the ultimate cool guy in the 70's. He reached out to the youth in the Anoka Ward and taught the greatest Sunday School class right after his mission. He believed in what was right and wanted each of us to take the correct stand in life. He loved his family, he loved his Savior, and I'm so grateful he is reuniting with his Dad whom he loved dearly. Our tender thoughts to his mom, brothers, sisters, wife, and children. Love, Kelly Pope Anstead,
Dana Oelkers
August 8, 2009
My Dad said he checked the obituaries every day to "make sure he wasn't in them". With much sadness in my heart I find his name today. It would be impossible for me to measure how profound his influence has been on me. His love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren will be remembered forever. I love my Dad very much and look forward to the day when I will see him again.
Bill's "favorite #1 son",
Dana
Jennie Burns
August 8, 2009
Cathie, we are so sad to learn of Bill's passing. He is a wonderful, caring man.
You and your family are in our prayers.
Love, Tom Jennie and Neal Burns
Mardena & Jim Billings
August 8, 2009
To the family of our dear friend,
Bill reached out and blessed our lives in so many ways. If there was only one word that could describe Bill, it would be charity. The scripture that best reflects the life of our dear friend is found in Matthew 25:34-40.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!
All our love, Mardena and Jim
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