Eugene M. Oelke

Eugene Marvin Oelke, was born to Edward and Adina Burkle Oelke, on March 3, 1931 in Kulm, North Dakota. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Minnesota, north of Detroit Lakes, and then at the age of 11, they moved to Fargo North Dakota. They moved to Moorhead, MN, at his age of 16, and settled in Oak Port Township, where he has lived the rest of his life.He completed his education, at the Moorhead Campus High School graduating from there with the class of 1950. He established and Operated, E.M. Oelke Lawn Builders, and worked that business for 56 years, retiring in the spring of 2006.He married JoAnn McCullough in Hope, North Dakota on March 27th, 1955 and were married 51 years. They lived in Fargo, for a short time before moving to North Moorhead, until 1959. They then moved to Oakport Township where he continued to live until the time of his death.He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Fargo Eagles, Moorhead American Legion, Germans from Russia Heritage Society, and Home builders Ass.He loved the research of his heritage, Germans from Russia.He had a love for his dogs, and the outdoors, hunting, fishing. He loved to read, and History was his joy. He loved his family, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He also loved working, and riding that tractor, he had pride in his work, and wanted to see that it was done right. He loved many friends.He is survived by his loving wife; two sons, Glenn Pat of Glyndon, MN, Mark Joan of Three Forks, MT; two daughters, Julie Larry Possehl, of Moorhead, MN and Kathy Duane Tretter of East Grand Forks, MN; twelve grandchildren, John Oelke of Fargo, ND, Jennifer Oelke of Glyndon, MN, Katie Oelke and Kyle Oelke of Moorhead, MN, Amy Jo Possehl Paul Portia of Casselton, ND, Joe Possehl of Fargo, ND, Jim Buckley Kristy of Three Forks, MT, Lacy Matthews of Anchorage, Alaska, Lynsey Oelke of Three Forks, MT, RachealAnn and Kelsey Tretter of East Grand Forks, MN; two great-grandchildren, Donavon and Ayanna of Casselton, ND; his Mother Adina Oelke of Palo Alto, CA; two sisters Virginia Ray Pesco of Castro Valley, CA, and Mable Steve DuMund of Orville, CA; and his dog Chico.He is proceeded by death, by his Father, Edward; brother, Roger; and sister ldella All of CA.In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Germans from Russia, 1125 West Turnpike Ave. Bismarck, ND 58101, or the Roger Maris Cancer Center, 820 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102.