David Oliensis Ph.D.

Oliensis, David Ph.D. Of Milw. died, Feb. 8, 2018. Hewas 91. A veteran who served in the Army of Occupation, he was a clinical psychologist, university professor, and author (of academic articles, political letters to the editor, and goofy family-oriented birthday limericks). Always an inquiring mind and an avid adventurer to all seven continents, he lived and worked in Uganda researching the cross-cultural applicability of the Rorschach test. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, The Grand Teton, and Mount Meeker (in full winter conditions), bungee jumped in Australia, swam in the Antarctic Ocean, and cruised the fjords of Norway. He taught and treated hundreds of students and patients, (specializing in play therapy with children) and supervised many more clinical psychologists who gained from his experience, wisdom, and understanding. A handball and racquetball player, skier, hiker, climber, and member of the Polar Bear Club, he was a robust outdoorsman up until almost the very end, water-skiing on his beloved Sparkling Lake (where his ashes will be scattered) as recently as his 87th birthday. To his wife, Ethel Oliensis, for whom he carried a torch all the days of their lives and then after her recent passing, he was a loving and devoted husband. With her, he motorcycled across Europe (before that was a "thing"), lived on kibbutzim in Israel, lovingly raised a family, and traveled the world. He is survived by his children, Miriam Oliensis-Torres (Jose Torres), Sharon Oliensis, and Adam Oliensis (Louise Ruck-Oliensis), and by his grandchildren, Rachel Feezor (Kevin Feezor), Michael Torres, Brian Torres (Lina Torres), Zachariah Paul, Rebecca Oliensis, Marlena Oliensis, Jacob Oliensis, and Sophie Oliensis. To them he was, "Vava," an ever playful, loving, candid and curious father and grandfather who built tree-houses, jumped on the trampoline, did backflips off the diving board, swam with his beloved dogs, told fantastical stories, and displayed intellectual and moral insight and leadership. To his friends he was a faithful, trustworthy, and loving companion in sport, in discussion, in drinking, and in the silences. As Shakespeare wrote: "This was the noblest Roman of them all.... he acted from honesty and for the general good. His life was gentle, and the elements mixed so well in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man.'" He was a peace-loving labor zionist and anti-war activist. In lieu of sending flowers, please make donations in his memory to Peace Now. http://peacenow.org.il/ en/ Funeral services pending. Please contact the funeral home or see funeral home website for details.