Service Information
Joyce M. Olinger, age 83, of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at her home in Buffalo Lake.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector, with interment in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Hector.
Visitation will be Friday, September 20, 2024, 4:00-7:00 P.M., at Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Funeral Service will be livestreamed via https://www.facebook.com/1.Lutheran.Hector
Memorials preferred to First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the ALS Association (ALS.org).
Obituary
Joyce Millicent (Carlson) Olinger was born on January 3, 1941, in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, to Millicent and Albert Carlson. A proud graduate of Hector High School, class of 1959. Joyce married Michael Olinger on February 10, 1962. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three children: Brian, Lynette, and Donald.
Throughout their life’s journey, Joyce offered unwavering support as they navigated the family business Olinger Transport, farming and raising livestock. In 1988, Joyce and Mike built a home on Lake Allie—just a stone's throw from the very land where Joyce was born and raised. Joyce took great pride in her gardens, relished hosting family gatherings by the lake and enjoyed eating meals on the deck admiring the lake’s beauty.
Faith was at the heart of Joyce's life. As a decades-long member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, she gave her time generously, holding numerous leadership roles and was always ready to lend a helping hand at church events. Joyce’s heart for service extended beyond her church, whether she was delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, donating blood for the American Red Cross, or advocating for causes she held dear. She cherished her community, finding joy in her weekly dinners with dear friends at Oakdale Country Club and staying active in a bowling league for many years.
In her later life, Joyce poured her love into making scrapbooks for her grandchildren, capturing memories that will be treasured for generations. She remained fiercely independent, proud of her ability to stay active, drive herself around, and even mow her own lawn well into her later years.
Joyce is survived by her three children, Brian Olinger of Hector, Lynette Olinger of Chisago City, and Don Olinger of Hector; her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life; and her sister, Julie Schafer of Hector.
She is reunited in Heaven with her parents, her husband Mike, her daughter-in-law Theresa Olinger, her brothers Darrell and Dale, and her brother-in-law Arthur Schafer.
Joyce’s life was one of love, faith, and service, and she will be deeply missed.
Wayne Johnson says
My condolences to the whole family. Don, Brian and Lynette we are so sorry for your loss. Joyce was a treasured friend and client of our insurance practice for many years. I will miss hearing her voice as she often called with questions and sometimes local news. She will be missed!
JoanDoering says
So very sorry for you loss . I enjoyed Wednesday evenings bible study in the church basement. And how she help
Me with the coffee every time I signed for coffee on Sundays . Always there to help . When need it. I will miss her deeply
Lori Boyum Hanson Engebretson says
Brian, Lynette and Don my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Mom was a force to be treasured for sure. She always made us kids feel welcome and I enjoyed my many conversations with her as an adult. Blessed be her memory and I hope you can find peace in all the beautiful memories she created with you, your kids and right on down the line.
Randy Pederson says
So sorry for your loss! Joyce was a good neighbor- a joy to visit with! Joyce also worked as an election judge for the Boon Lake Township Precinct for numerous elections over the years!
She will be missed!
The Menths says
Lynette, Brian and Don so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Lisa
Allen and Beth Carlson says
Our sympathy goes out to Brian, Lynette and Don as you celebrate your mom’s life. She always had a minute to talk when I came home to Hector. Allen and Beth Carlson
Paulette Johnson says
Our sympathy to your family. Joyce was a mainstay of our church and a dear friend. She will be deeply missed.
Linda Callier and Jerry Slettum says
So sorry for your loss. Joyce was a wonderful neighbor, and asked for so little help
with anything. She was a joy to talk to, always happy. We will miss her.
Monte sandifer says
Sorry for your loss