In Memory Of
James E. Oelke
James E. Oelke
James Edward Oelke, 72, Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at a local hospital.
Jim was born March 7, 1937 in Topeka, the son of Lester and Minnie (Holmes) Oelke. He graduated from Highland Park High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957.
He was a purchaser for Santa Fe Railroad for 19 years, retiring in 1990 due to health reasons. He also was a dairy farmer in the Tecumseh area.
He was a member of the AFL-CIO and had formerly been a member of Topeka Reformed Presbyterian Church, and recently attended Flint Hills Baptist Church in Osage City. He was involved with United Way in many fundraising projects. He was a woodworker and participated in numerous craft shows in the area.
Jim married Barbara Gayle Miner on June 6, 1959 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include daughters, Laura Gayle Swenson , Grapevine, TX, Karen Kay (Robert) Russell, Topeka, Amy Luette (Robert) Sipp, Fort Worth, TX; son, James Edwin Oelke, Tumon Bay, Guam; grandchildren, Jessica Gayle Swenson, Kristine Marie Russell, Chase Robert Russell, Chelsea Nicole Sipp, Colton Larry Sipp; sister, Loralie Rae Shackleford, and brother, Bruce E. Oelke.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2009 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Jim will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Greater Topeka, 1315 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Flint Hills Baptist Church, 835 Lakin St., Osage City, Kansas 66523.
Jim was born March 7, 1937 in Topeka, the son of Lester and Minnie (Holmes) Oelke. He graduated from Highland Park High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957.
He was a purchaser for Santa Fe Railroad for 19 years, retiring in 1990 due to health reasons. He also was a dairy farmer in the Tecumseh area.
He was a member of the AFL-CIO and had formerly been a member of Topeka Reformed Presbyterian Church, and recently attended Flint Hills Baptist Church in Osage City. He was involved with United Way in many fundraising projects. He was a woodworker and participated in numerous craft shows in the area.
Jim married Barbara Gayle Miner on June 6, 1959 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include daughters, Laura Gayle Swenson , Grapevine, TX, Karen Kay (Robert) Russell, Topeka, Amy Luette (Robert) Sipp, Fort Worth, TX; son, James Edwin Oelke, Tumon Bay, Guam; grandchildren, Jessica Gayle Swenson, Kristine Marie Russell, Chase Robert Russell, Chelsea Nicole Sipp, Colton Larry Sipp; sister, Loralie Rae Shackleford, and brother, Bruce E. Oelke.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2009 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Jim will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Greater Topeka, 1315 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Flint Hills Baptist Church, 835 Lakin St., Osage City, Kansas 66523.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Oelke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, April 9, 2009
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Service
Friday, April 10, 2009
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
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