Steven Francis Oelke

It is with great sadness that the family of Steve Oelke announce his passing on March 9, 2025 at the age of 71. Steven Francis Oelke was born on January 15, 1954 to Carol Frances Jupe Oelke and Edward Ronald Oelke in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of three boys, with older brothers Michael Allen Oelke and Ronald Edward Oelke. Steve attended St. Patrick Catholic School, Northwest Classen High School, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor degree in Psychology. He had a love of the arts, including music, silent film, and photography. He grew up playing the guitar and was an extremely talented musician, playing in several bands throughout high school and college. His love of music lasted his entire life, with numerous calls from friends and former bandmates asking to bring his guitar and play for various gatherings. He was known for playing music by ear and would play various songs on the piano for the family at holiday gatherings. Steve worked at the Oklahoma Flower Market for over 44 years where co-workers and customers became part of his family. He never met a stranger, was able to connect with everyone he met, remembered their names, and formed lasting friendships. He had the uncanny ability to remember OU football statistics, names, and memorable plays for games spanning several decades. This ability to remember dates also carried over to never forgetting birthdays, and never failing to make everyone feel important on
their special day. Steve also had a love for taking his motorcycle on road trips, often riding hundreds of miles in a single day. One favorite trip included riding down historic Route 66 which complemented his fondness of history. Being an amateur photographer as well, he would take pictures along his journeys. Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father, Carol and Edward Oelke, and older brother Mike Oelke. He is survived by his brother Ron Oelke and wife Sharron of Norman, niece Lori Chandler and husband Greg of Oklahoma City, nephew Lance Oelke and his children Aiden Oelke and Vivienne Oelke of Houston, Texas. Steve was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00am. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City with Fr. Stansberry presiding.
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