Obit: Oelrich, Roy William (1916 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Ankrom, Counter, Hartwig, Johnson, Kaulfuerst, Morken, Oelrich, Vreeland

----Source: The Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 3/20/2015

Oelrich, Roy William (3 FEB 1916 - 18 MAR 2015)

Roy William Oelrich, age 99, of Rhinelander, died on March 18, 2015, in Rhinelander.

He was born on February 3, 1916, in Spencer, WI, to Frederick and Emma (Kaulfuerst) Oelrich.  Roy attended schools in Spencer and then entered the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served during WW II in Africa. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to the States and married Vada Vreeland on March 28, 1944, in Milwaukee, WI.

She preceded Roy in death on October 2, 2005, after more than 61 years of marriage. They lived in Rhinelander, where Roy was employed as a mechanic for Oneida Motor Sales for over 36 years. He was a longtime member of the Calvary Baptist Church. He also belonged to the VFW and the DAV. Roy enjoyed making maple syrup and playing cribbage but he loved to fish and hunt. He and Vada loved children and served as foster parents for many kids over the years. Roy's smile and firm handshake will be missed by many.

He is survived by his daughters, Della Jeanne (Albert) Hartwig of Winnepeg, Canada; Vivian (James) Counter and Lola (Thomas) Morken both of Rhinelander; his son, Melvin (Lori) Oelrich of Rhinelander; fifteen grandchildren, many great and great-great-grandchildren; his brothers, Albert (Fannie) Oelrich of Spencer, WI; and Arthur (Georgia) Oelrich of Unity, WI; his sisters, Edna Oelrich of Spencer, WI; Alice Johnson of Montana; and Freida Oelrich of Spencer, WI; nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

In addition to Vada, Roy was also preceded in death by his son, David, two grandchildren, two sisters and five brothers.

Funeral services for Roy will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Rhinelander, with the Reverend Rod Ankrom officiating. Visitation will also be at the Church on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Interment will be in the Newbold Memorial Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Oelrich family at www.carlsonfh.com.  The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the Oelrich family.