John T. Oelkers

Mason City – John T. Oelkers, 70, of Mason City, died Monday, December 19, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, December 23, 2011, at the V.F.W., 1603 South Monroe Ave., services will be held at 5:00 P.M. for all who can attend. Upon John’s wishes his body was donated to the University of Minnesota for educational purposes. Memorials may be directed to the John T. Oelkers memorial fund in care of the family. John was born February 7, 1941 to John C. and Doris (Rafferty) Oelkers in Mason City, IA. He graduated from Nora Springs High School in 1958. John enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany until he was honorably discharged. He was married to Karen Kilfoil on September 9, 1967. He worked as a Sheet Metal Journeyman for Alcar Lodi, in Wisconsin until his retirement. John loved fishing, attending auctions and flea markets, playing poker with friends, being outdoors and spending time with his grandsons. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, V.F.W., Isaak Walton’s League and the Sheet Metal Local 45 for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife Karen Oelkers of Mason City; daughter, Loretta and husband Malcom Rossiter of Iquistos, Peru; son, Chris Oelkers and wife Monica of Mason City; grandsons, Lakotah, Brandon and Nick; one brother, Terry Oelkers; sisters, Sally Levad, Becky Oelkers, and Susan Bier all of Mason City and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the John T. Oelkers memorial fund in care of the family.

Visitation:
Upon John’s wishes his body was donated to the University of Minnesota for educational purposes.

Service:
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, December 23, 2011, at the V.F.W., 1603 South Monroe Ave., services will be held at 5:00 P.M. for all who can attend.