Filed under: Bible, children, Christian, eye glasses, faith, God, Honduras, hunger, Kids Against Hunger, Lions Club International, Minnesota, mission trip, vision, volunteer
And so on this day, the Vision Honduras Team remembers their friend, Elvira Olinger: a committed wife to Pat for 40 years… a mom, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother of a flock… a faithful volunteer with Kids Against Hunger… a life long friend… my new friend who’s memory is a keepsake of values.
And our little band of visionaries remembers the family of Elvira, especially Bob… Elvira’s littlest lamb… the prodigal son who represented the flock from the lectern with a brave, broad, confident smile… an infectious laugh… and a familiar, reassuring calm.
And Bob is our constant who directs the director, encourages by example, rolls with what’s peaceful and is the fuel who allows common people to attain uncommon results.
It’s true: friends are the family we get to choose for ourselves…
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Elvira A. Olinger was born August 1, 1924, in Round Grove Township, McLeod County, Minnesota, the daughter of Carl and Elsie (Klitzke) Brede. She was baptized on September 28, 1924 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando, and was confirmed there on April 10, 1938. Elvira grew up in Round Grove Township, and received her education at the Country School there.
On February 4, 1943, Elvira was united in marriage to Melvin Wacker at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Parsonage in Stewart. They made their home in Stewart. Elvira joined Melvin’s family of three children, and seven children were born to their marriage. Elvira was involved with Melvin in the Implement Dealership, where she ran the Parts Department. Melvin passed away in 1966.
On September 11, 1970, Elvira was united in marriage to Pat Olinger at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. They moved to Hector in 1974. Elvira was a partner of the L & W Chevrolet Dealership until 1975. She worked closely with Pat, who owned Load Star Trucking. She was also involved with a catering group in Stewart.
Elvira was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector, and was active with the Funeral Committee. She was known for her cooking abilities, especially scalloped potatoes and ham. She also enjoyed quilting.
Elvira passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at the Hutchinson Community Hospital.
Elvira is survived by her husband Pat Olinger of Hector; Children: Gloria Foss of St. Paul, Brenda (Ralph) Larson of Hector, Beverly Sullivan of Rochester, Byron (Sandra) Wacker of Nisswa, Marleta (Hans) Lillejord of Manor, Texas, Mary (Clayton) Schroeder of Hector, and Robert Wacker of New Germany; Daughter-in-law Gloriann Wacker of Glencoe; Son-in-law Mel Rettmann of Minneapolis; Grandchildren: Karen (Adrian) Boll, Susan (Richard) Bautch, Grant (Janet) Wacker, Keith Foss, Brett Foss, Cindy (Paula) Faas, Treva (Jason) Thoms, Sheldon (RoAnn) Rettmann, Leon (Carol) Rettmann, Melanie Clark, Lisa (Bill) Irving, David Rettmann, Robert (Nancey) Rettmann, Phillip Larson, Michael (Pam) Larson, Lisel Larson, Pam Sullivan, Jeffrey (Jody) Wacker, Mitchell Tracy) Wacker, Kathryn (Glenn) Starfield, Maria Wacker, Hans Jr. (Loretta) Lillejord, Kersten (Jeff) Levine, Christopher (Tonya) Schroeder, Matthew (Kari) Schroeder, Joshua (Tina) Schroeder, Jeanna (Ankan) Petal, Erin Wacker, and Amber Wacker; Great-grandchildren: David (Jean) Boll, Daniel (Kary) Boll, Michael (Sarah) Boll, Alan Boll, Anne (Craig) Bautch, Philip Bautch, Evan Wacker, Kathryn Wacker, Brandon Foss, Troy Foss, Lindsay Foss, Lauren Foss, Mary Foss, Balinda Foss, Justin Foss, Mitchel Foss, Carlton Foss, Katrina Faas, Serina Faas, Corina Faas, Wilyem Thoms, Aleigh Thoms, Izaak Thoms, Raiann (Eli) Lopez, Katy (Matt) Peterson, Luke Rettmann, John Rettmann, Rosealyn Rettmann, Christin Clark, Amy Clark, Jennifer Clark, Kiersten Clark, Robert Clark, Brian Langdon, Robert Langdon, Lela Langdon, Alexander Rettmann, Andrew Rettmann, Tiffany Larson, Ali Larson, Gavin Sullivan, Broden Amadi, Connor Wacker, Alexandra Wacker, Tyson Wacker, Anthony Wacker, Madison Wacker, Julia Wacker, Colton Wacker, Gabriella Wacker, Ethan Starfield, Jack Starfield, Eliza Starfield, Ian Lillejord, Dana Lillejord, Wyatt Levine, Blake Ziesmer, Shawna Mayer, Kylor Schroeder, Dylon Schroeder, Aydon Schroeder, Jaydon Schroeder, and Mason Schroeder; Great-great grandchildren: Andrea Boll, Gavin Boll, Avery Boll, Sophia Boll, Sterling Bautch, Riley Foss, Sierra Foss, Ruby Foss, Perla Foss, Samantha Foss, Madison Foss, Zachary Foss, Payton Foss, Aliesha Lopez, Amanda (Richie) Fergeson, Lily Peterson, and Scarlett Peterson; and Great-great-great-grandchild Rhode Fergeson. Elvira is also survived by Pat’s family, and by many other relatives and friends.
Elvira was preceded in death by her parents, son Melvin Wacker Jr., son Kenneth Wacker, daughter Shelvie Rettmann, grandson Jack Brian Foss, granddaughter Jannelle Foss, great-grandsons Travis Foss and Nathan Rettmann, great-granddaughter Mariah Rettmann, sister LaVerna Schiro, and by her brother Ervin Brede.
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