Delores Oelke

Delores M. Oelke, 85, Wausau , passed away on June 29, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital .


She was born in Rib Falls , WI on July 12, 1922 to Emil and Goldie (Roeder) Huehnerfuss. Delores attended Birnamwood High School and after graduation also attended Wausau Vocational School . She married David H. Oelke on December 15, 1945 in Wausau . He preceded her in death May 20, 1993 .



As she and Dave raised their family, Delores also worked in the lingerie department at J.C. Penny’s when it was located on Third Street , retiring in 1984 and spent many years enjoying the J.C. Penny Retiree Club. She was well known for always having a smile on her face.



Delores was also a woman of great faith. She and David were godparents to 14 children. Delores was active in Trinity Welfare Workers and many other areas of her church. She also volunteered at the Bethesda Thrift Shop and Wausau Hospital Center .



Everyone loved her dill pickles and many canned goods. She often had a pair of knitting needles in her hands and created wonderful afghans, slippers and mittens. When her grandsons were involved in hockey, Delores was their biggest fan and became a “Hockey Grandma” to their teammates. She spent many hours repairing jerseys for Marathon Youth Hockey and sewed S.T.O.P. patches on all 300. Delores also enjoyed her card club, tending to her flowers and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She loved to tell a funny story or joke and to make people smile. Delores will be missed by many.



Delores is survived by her three sons, Daniel (Ellen) Oelke of Wausau; Darryl (Barb) Oelke Weston; Dean (Karen) of Mosinee; her sister Marion (Marvin) Ruechel of Wausau; her brother Charles Huehnerfuss of Shawano; her grandchildren Amber (John Grabowski, Jr.) and Shawn Oelke, Jessica (William, Jr.) Fandrey and Tim Oelke, Elizabeth (Tim Pruess) Felkner and Haley Oelke; great-grandchildren Griffin , Sequoyia and Annabelle; plus many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter, Rebecca Felkner.



Funeral services for Delores will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 3 ^rd at Trinity on Stewart Lutheran Church , Wausau . Reverend Gary Schultz will be officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Wausau . Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on July 2 ^nd at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau , with a memorial service at 7pm . Visitation will also be from 9:30 AM until the time of services Thursday at the church.



In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.