Ward H. Oldenburg, 92, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully June 18, 2011 at the Wisconsin Rapids Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a courageous battle with cancer and its complications.
Services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 23rd at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 311 14th Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Martin Baur will officiate. Private burial will be on Friday at Merrill Memorial Park in Merrill.
Ward was born July 11, 1918 in Merrill to Paul and Marie (Wendtland) Oldenburg. He married Lenora M. “Sis” Holl on November 29, 1944 in Merrill.
He served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was employed at Gleason State Bank for 24 years and at the State of Wisconsin in Union Grove for 14 years, retiring in 1982. After retirement, he moved to Minocqua and spent his winters in Panama City Beach, Florida, before moving to Wisconsin Rapids in 1997.
Ward was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #9 in Wisconsin Rapids. He was also a member of the Merrill High School Silver M Club. Ward was an armchair coach and fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Marquette Golden Eagles.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lenora “Sis” Oldenburg; one son, David (Cherie) Oldenburg of Milwaukee; one daughter, Karen (Dan) Christopherson of Wisconsin Rapids; five grandchildren: Steve (Liz) Givens, Ryan Christopherson, Kevin (Tina) Christopherson, Kyle Christopherson, and Lisa (Paul) Kanning; seven great-grandchildren: Gunnar Christopherson, Alena and Mia Givens, Kouper and Evan Christopherson, and Shea and Campbell Kanning; one sister-in-law, Margaret Krotchie; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Kenneth Oldenburg, and sister-in-law, Ilene Oldenburg.
Friends may call at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday. Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home of Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family.
Ward’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Ministry Home Care Hospice for their dedicated care, comforting words, and caring thoughts.
Memorials may be designated to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids or to the American Cancer Society.