Robert Ollenburg

Robert “Bob” Ollenburg, 85, of Ventura, Iowa, died Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 at the Concord Care Center in Garner, Iowa.

Funeral services are today (Wednesday, Aug. 15) at 10:30 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church east of Garner with Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating.  Burial is in the church cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.  Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Robert Emil Ollenburg was born on Aug. 24, 1926 to parents, Emil and Olga (Boehnke) Ollenburg, on the family farm near St. John’s Corner, rural Ventura.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He attended elementary school at St. John’s Parochial School and graduated in 1944 from Ventura Community High School.  He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served as a tank sergeant in the Korean Conflict.

On Nov. 28, 1951 Bob married Elaine Lovick.  He farmed and milked cows until his heart attack at age 33.  He then worked in the Hancock County Engineers Office for 18 years before purchasing his car dealership, Ollenburg Motors. Anyone who knew Bob well knew of his passion for nice cars.  He was very proud to be a member of the National Chrysler Advertising Board. Bob was an active member of the Garner community, serving as the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce Presidents. Throughout his life Bob was a loyal member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Garner. He was the congregational president, vice president and treasurer, but his favorite position for over 18 years was that of Sunday School Superintendent.  Bob loved kids and kids felt the same about him. Over the years Bob remained close with his Army buddies and attended many reunions, including one in Hong Kong and Korea.

Bob enjoyed spending summers at the cottage in Clear Lake, Iowa, and winters in Mission, Texas. He always said that his favorite places to be were on his porch at the acreage, his deck in Clear Lake and patio in Texas (with a cigar in hand of course.)  Bob enjoyed being with family and friends and his homes were always the center of wonderful get-togethers.  Bob had many heart related health issues over the years, but he always fought back and never let it get him down for long.  He was grateful for the blessings life had given him. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He set a good example for the rest of us.

  Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elaine, and their children; Sherry and Tim Becker, Mason City, Iowa, Scott and Karen Ollenburg of Ventura, Kim and Bill Larson of Clear Lake, Jeanne Ollenburg, Savannah, Ga. and Dan and Kristen Ollenburg, Clear Lake; grandchildren, Ben Becker and Stacy Smith, Rex Ollenburg and Dani Breitkreutz, Emily and Thomas Zanios, Grant and Amber Larson, Renee and Matt Washburn, Christopher Ollenburg, Zachary Becker, Bridget Ollenburg, Kathryn Ollenburg, Sophia Ollenburg, Ava Ollenburg, Henry Ollenburg  and Ella Ollenburg; great grandchildren, Natalie Washburn, Eliza Zanios, Noah, Parker and Haley Larson and Piper and Keely Breitkreutz.  Bob is also survived by his sister, Darlene and Rev. James Wolfram of Spirit Lake, Iowa; two brothers-in-law, James and Alvera Lovick of Fertile, Iowa, and Leo and Marlys Lovick of Ackley, Iowa.; four sisters-in-law, Alice Toresdahl, Clear Lake, Doris Bonnstetter, Chapin, S.C., Anita Lovick, Washington, Iowa, Diane Lovick, Forest City, Iowa.; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

  Bob was preceded in death by his son, Reece; parents, Emil and Olga Ollenburg; in-laws, Henry and Ida Lovick; brothers-in-law, Paul and Gladys Lovick, Ardie Lovick, Gordon Toresdahl, Larry Lovick and Frank Bonnstetter; sisters-in-law, Amy and Don Brakke, Irene and Harvey Brakke, Pearl and Raymond Hanna and Murlette and Gilman Hagen.