Vera Emma Oelfke

Obituary

Vera Emma Oelfke was born on September 29, 1944, in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Werner and Emma (Rolf ) Albers. Vera was baptized as an infant on October 15, 1944, and later was confirmed in her faith as a youth on May 4, 1958, both at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Helen Township, Glencoe, Minnesota.  Her confirmation verse was Acts 4:12. She received her education in Arlington–Green Isle, Minnesota, and graduated with the Arlington-Green Isle High School class of 1962. 

On October 27, 1962, Vera was united in marriage to Ronald Oelfke at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, Glencoe, Minnesota. Vera and Ronald made their home in Green Isle and then moved to their farm in Helen Township, Plato, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Susan and Brad.  Vera and Ronald shared over 58 years of marriage until Ronald passed away on May 19, 2021.

Vera was a loving mother and homemaker. She also did childcare for number of years and worked as a caterer for Sauters/Hillcrest in Hamburg, Minnesota. Vera was a member of the local Home Extension group for a number of years. She was an active member at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg and assisted where she could. She and her children were a part of the Pleasant Grove 4H club for many years.

Vera enjoyed riding motorcycle with Ronald. She enjoyed her time in the kitchen; whether she was canning, cooking, or baking. She grew a large cookbook collection over the years. Vera enjoyed playing games; especially card games, and loved to sew. Vera enjoyed snowmobiling and taking the grandkids for rides. Vera and Ronald enjoyed going on trips together; some of which included camping and fishing. She also loved attending as many concerts and sporting events for her grandchildren as she could; family was very important to her and she treasured the time she spent with them and with her friends. 

Vera passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024, surrounded by family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of 79 years, 3 months, and 20 days. Blessed be her memory.

Vera is survived by her:
Daughter, Susan Mathwig;
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, Spencer McClellan, Harvey McClellan;
Godchildren, Lisa Krumwiede, Tammy Albers, Douglas Albers, Patti Dreier, Kim Miller;
Brothers, Leonard Albers and Maynard Albers and his wife, Nancy;
Sisters-in-law, Melva Albers and Marlys Thomas and her husband Gerry;
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends.

Vera was preceded in death by her Husband, Ronald Oelfke; Father and Mother, Werner & Emma Albers; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Leonard and Hilda Oelfke; Son-in-law, Paul Mathwig; Grandson, Michael Oelfke; Brother, Henry Albers; Brother-in-law, Loren Oelfke; Sister-in-law, Aileen Albers.