Oskar Oelke

Oskar Oelke, 81, of Stevensville, passed away, Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. The son of Albert and Leokadia (Senft) he was born the youngest of three siblings on March 12, 1939 in Klementynów, Poland. Oskar spent his early life in Bielefeld, Germany, immigrating to the United States in 1956. He attended trade school at Lake Michigan College, earning a certificate in Tool & Die. He spent 40 years in the trade, a majority of that time at Precision Mold & Engineering. Oskar enjoyed spending time with other local German folks, and as a young man played soccer for the Kicker’s Club. He met his wife Anita at the DANK in 1965, where over the years they both enjoyed listening to live German music at dances and other social events. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville, where he often volunteered as an usher. His joys in life revolved around his family and children, and was lovingly referred to as Opa by all four grandchildren. One of his passions in life was traveling with his wife and kids, especially to Canada and Germany to spend time with siblings and relatives. Oskar had an overall jovial spirit, nothing made him happier than being surrounded by friends and family, telling a good story, making people laugh, listening to music, and sharing good food and drink together. Oskar is survived by his wife Anita; his children-Doris (Paul) Leal of Saginaw, Gerald (Sarah) Oelke of St. Peters, MO; four grandchildren-Maxwell & Alec Leal, Melissa & George Oelke; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings-Emma Pufal & Edmund & Herman Oelke. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, January 2, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Jesse Knox officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the Church. Memorial donations in Oskar’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Those wishing to sign Oskar’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.