Ronald Leonard Oelfke

Obituary

Ronald Leonard Oelfke was born on April 10, 1941, in Helen Township, McLeod County, Minnesota.  He was the son of Leonard and Hilda (Huepenbecker) Oelfke.  Ronald was baptized as an infant on April 20, 1941, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 3, 1955, both at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota.  His confirmation verse was Psalm 143:10.  Ronald received his education at Emanuel Lutheran Parochial School in Hamburg and Glencoe High School in Glencoe. 

On October 27, 1962, Ronald was united in marriage to Vera Albers at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, Glencoe, Minnesota.  Ronald and Vera made their home in Green Isle and on the family farm in Plato, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Susan and Brad.  Ronald and Vera shared over 58 years of marriage.

Ronald was a farmer.  He also worked at the Arlington Canning Factory in Arlington, Farmhand Manufacturing in Green Isle, Meuleners Farms, Dammann Seed Company, and was a hired hand for Orville  and Doris Schrupp.  Ronald was a lifelong active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg. 

Ronald enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, camping and attending poker and charity runs on his snowmobile and motorcycle.  He was the leader of the pack.  Family was very important to him and he treasured the time spent with them and his friends. 

Ronald passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at his home in Plato, Minnesota, at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 9 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Ronald is survived by his;
Wife, Vera Oelfke of Plato, MN;
Daughter, Susan Mathwig and her husband, Paul;
Son, Brad Oelfke and his wife, Kathy;
Grandchildren, Amanda Westphal and her husband, Lance,
Daniel Mathwig,
Matthew Mathwig,
Jenna Mathews and her husband, David,
Caitlyn Mathwig and Joe McClellan,
Eric Nugent and his husband, Zach,
Krysta Oelfke;
Great Grandchildren, Isabel Tigre, Jocelyn Tigre, Kristen Tigre, Leah Westphal, Hailey Mathwig, Blake Mathews, Bryce Mathews, Savannah Mathews, Riley McClellan, McClellan baby arriving in the fall;
Sister, Marlys Thomas and her husband, Gerry;
Aunt and Uncle, Doris and Orville Schrupp;
Sister-In-Law, Melva Albers;
Brothers-In-Law, Leonard Albers,
Maynard Albers and his wife, Nancy;
Godchildren, Wendy Wark,
Michelle Forseth;
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his Parents, Leonard and Hilda Oelfke; Grandparents, Otto & Annie Oelfke, William & Amanda Huepenbecker; Grandchild, Michael Oelfke; Brother, Loren Oelfke; Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law, Werner & Emma Albers; Brother-In-law, Henry Albers; Sister-In-Law, Aileen Albers.