Kenneth "Kenny" Olinger

Kenneth Olinger, 68, of Emery, SD, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 12, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Emery. Burial will be at St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 PM at St. Martin's Catholic Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel
Kenneth "Kenny" Olinger was born July 19, 1956, to Anthony and Eleanor Olinger. He grew up on the family farm in Emery, South Dakota with his parents and eight siblings. Kenny always loved farming and working with animals and the land, which he was blessed to do his entire life. In 1980, he married the love of his life, Karla Harberts Olinger. Together they had four wonderful children: Phil, Bridgette, Shelby, and Brent. Kenny and Karla raised their children in Emery and supported them in all their endeavors. Kenny loved watching his children participate, and he was a strong supporter of the local sports teams: Emery Eagles, Emery/Ethan Seahawks, and the Huskies. As Kenny's children grew, he took on the cherished role of Papa to his three granddaughters and two grandsons: Olivia, Elena, June, Mason, and Paxton.
Kenny served his community for over 20 years working at the Bridgewater and Emery Post Office as a substitute mailman for those 3 rural routes. Kenny was a lifelong member at St. Martins Parish in Emery, SD. In his spare time, Kenny enjoyed hunting, gardening, and canning. One of Kenny's favorite things to do was share his abundant gardening harvest with family, friends, and the community. He often brought boxes of vegetables and canned goods to the Senior Citizen Center, the Convent in Alexandria, and the Bridgewater nursing home. Kenny was an avid sports fan and loved watching local sports teams, college football, and Duke basketball, and he was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Kenny often shied from the spotlight, but his quiet and loving presence provided those around him with a kind ear, a smiling face, and a welcoming heart. Kenny was grateful for his life, wife, children and grandchildren.
Kenny's legacy lives on through his children: Phil Olinger (and wife Amanda and children Olivia, Elena, and June), Bridgette Olinger Wright (and husband Corey and sons Mason and Paxton), Shelby Olinger, and Brent Olinger. His five grandchildren, Olivia, Elena, June, Mason, and Paxton were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brothers, Dan Olinger (and wife Ruth), Bill Olinger (and wife LaVonne), Jerry Olinger (and wife Suzie), and sisters, Mary Olinger, Jane Prouty (and husband Bob), Carol Weber (and husband Greg), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Eleanor Olinger, his brother, Mike Olinger, and his sister, Betty Hershley.