Obit: Ollech, Walter E (1936 - 2007)

Contact:  Shari Hahn
Email: steppinwest@elknet.net

Surnames: Ollech, Janke, Covert, Kunze

----Sources: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) Aug 6, 2007

Walter Ollech (November 29, 1936 - Aug 3, 2007)

NEILLSVILLE -- Walter E. Ollech, 70, died Aug. 3, 2007, at his farm in Neillsville, Wis.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, Wis. The Rev. Dong Su Lee will officiate.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Gesche Funeral Home.

Walter was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 29, 1936, to Carl and Leona (Janke) Ollech. He attended grade school in Brookfield and graduated from Wauwatosa High School. He attended North Central College in Naperville, Ill., where he received a bachelor's degree in business. On Sept. 13, 1958, he married Judith A. Schmidt, in Washington, D.C.

A lifelong banker, Walter spent the first 10 years of his career as a Federal Reserve Bank Examiner, based in Chicago and then in Ames, Iowa. In 1968, he moved to Neillsville to accept a management position at the Neillsville Bank, eventually becoming president. In 1984, he became president of the State Bank of Withee, at a time when that bank was experiencing significant financial problems. Under his leadership, the bank was returned to financial soundness. He retired as the bank's president Dec. 31, 2006, but continued as its chairman of the board until his death. Since 1983, he also owned Schuster-Campman Abstract and Title Co., Inc.

Walter was very involved in helping the community, serving on various civic boards and organizations. He was one of the founding partners of the Concern apartment partnerships, which built and manage housing for senior citizens and moderate income renters in Neillsville, Wis. With several other local businessmen, he also organized O'Neill Industries, which helped to start the Neillsville Foundry.

A member of the Neillsville United Methodist Church, Walter enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, fishing, working on his farm and eating homemade ice cream.

He is survived by three children, Robert C. (Janet) Ollech of Mequon, Susan E. Ollech of Stevens Point and James E. (Linda) Ollech of Neillsville; his former wife and life-long friend, Judith A. Ollech of Neillsville; five grandchildren, Caleb, Kaylin, Aaron, Jacob and Keith; a sister, Mary (George) Covert of Ames, Iowa; and two brothers, Albert Ollech of Milwaukee and Duane (Carol) Ollech of Dayton, Nev.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, William; a brother, Richard Ollech; and a granddaughter, Ellie Kunze.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorials may be sent to Neillsville United Methodist Church, Fourth and Court Streets, Neillsville, Wis., 54456.