Oliver Juengel

Oliver Juengel
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7
With deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Oliver "Ollie" Juengel, of Midland, Michigan, announces his peaceful passing at the age of 98. Born on August 28, 1927, in Rochester, MI he was the beloved son of Frederick and Ethel Juengel and grew up on the treasured family farm known as Juengel Orchards, a place where hard work, integrity, and devotion to one another were daily lessons.
A proud graduate of Rochester High School, Class of 1945, Oliver answered the call to serve his country during World War II, a duty he regarded with deep honor and humility throughout his life. After returning home he attended Michigan State University, earning a degree in agriculture. He began his career teaching agriculture in Three Oaks before moving into school administration in Columbiaville and Sunfield.
In 1962, Oliver became the first principal of Bullock Creek Junior and Senior High School, where he led with purpose, steadiness, and genuine care for both students and staff. He later served as assistant superintendent, dedicating his life to education until his retirement in 1987. Oliver was known as a consistent, inspiring, and loyal leader-a man whose quiet strength, fairness, and unwavering integrity shaped countless lives.
Oliver married the love of his life on August 19, 1950, Jean (Hayward) of Rochester. Together, they modeled a marriage full of respect, grace, and steady love. Their home was full of love and devastated by her passing on February 15th, 1994.
He is preceded in death by his cherished siblings: Carol (Earl) Kohl, Lois (Smitty) Little, June (Ted) Turgeon, Burton Juengel, and Vern (Lois) Juengel. He is also preceded in death by sister-in-law Helen Nettle and 2nd wife Bernita (Scott).
Oliver's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children: Mary (Wick) Kirby of Broomfield, Colorado and Mark (Marni) Juengel of Midland, Michigan and his seven grandchildren: Wickliffe and Teresa Kirby (Elin), Sarah and Jeff Johnson (Jill and Kirby), Susan and Andrew Oppenheimer (Annie, Eleanor, and James), Clara and Kody King (Eloise, Clark, and Bennett), Steven and Kaitlin Juengel (Oliver, Elsie, Mae, Truett, Janie), Ellie and Zach Allread (Ollie), Mary Juengel and fiancé Quinton Bortel. He is also survived by special life long friend Shirley Thurlow, sister-in-law Anne Juengel and brother-in-law Gordon Nettle.
A man deeply rooted in service, Oliver was a proud member of the Lions Club for over 65 years where he was named Outstanding Lion of the Year. He received the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship, and earned the Lions of Michigan Foundation's highest award – the John Noel Fellowship for outstanding humanitarian service. He was also a member of the Studley Grange, and a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. He served on committees and faithfully ushered well into his mid-90s. His faith was not loud, but lived by example-gentle, steady, sincere.
Oliver was a man of beloved routines and quiet joys. You could often find him in his rocking chair, a loyal dog nearby, ready for conversation or a good- competitive game of cards. He loved Detroit sports and was a loyal Spartan fan. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, along with spending time at the lake. His grandchildren never left without feeling loved and heard. They would often leave with banana bread or gas money, a "love ya" and a precious wave from the window.
His life was long, meaningful, and beautifully lived. He gave endlessly, served quietly, and loved deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, hard work, and devotion to family. His presence made the world gentler. His memory will forever be cherished by those who were blessed to call him theirs, and he will be so greatly missed.
May we honor him by living with the same integrity, kindness, and grace he carried every day.
Funeral Services for Oliver will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 315 West Larkin Street. Pastor Don Duford will officiate with burial to follow in Midland Cemetery. His family will receive friends at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Studley Grange, Midland Lions Club, or First United Methodist Church. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Juengel family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.