Tom Olearnick

He passed peacefully in his sleep on January 4th, 2025, in Eaton Colorado just ten days shy of his 98th birthday! He was the son of John and Anne Olearnick.

Tom was the youngest of 12 children, raised in the coal mining town of Kulpmont. He had fond memories of playing in the street, running across rooftops, working hard and admiring his father and older brothers who worked in the mine. At the age of 17 he enlisted (snuck) into the Army and served at the tail end of World War II. He always kept his time in Nuremburg close to the vest, protecting his family from the tragedies of war. He served his country with honor and pride. When he returned, his good friend took him to Western Kansas to go on a blind date with Relda Elaine Wickwar. They were married on September 7, 1947 in Wheeler, Kansas. Tom and Relda then began writing a love story for the ages. They welcomed Linda and Theresa while living in Wheeler, KS. They moved from Wheeler to Fort Collins, Colorado where Tom studied Engineering at Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University). They then moved to Wichita, Kansas where they welcomed Clem, Pat and Mike. Tom accepted a job at Martin Marietta in Littleton, Colorado in 1959. Shortly after they added Milissa to round out the family. Tom and Relda resided in Littleton for 47 years where they raised their family. After retirement, they moved to Eaton Colorado where they lived until their passing.

As their Sons and Daughters married and grew their families, Tom and Relda’s love grew as well. Their family was truly their greatest treasure. Tom had a love for the river, he taught many people to love fly fishing, all of his family included. He also taught his boys how to hunt game birds. If he didn’t have a fly rod in his hand, he had a camera. He loved photographing a mess of fish, a beautiful sunset, a flower in bloom and of course his family. Tom and Relda loved fishing with family in Gunnison at Rocky River Resort, family camping trips, Christmases at the Grange and many holidays around their table. Tom’s favorite holiday was Christmas. It is fitting that he spent one more Christmas with us here, enjoying cards and ornaments sent from around the states.

Tom is preceded in death by his dear bride of 73 years, his parents and 11 siblings, his grandson Clint and many other loved ones. We are overjoyed to know they are reunited in heaven with each other and their Savior.

He is survived by six children and their spouses, 17 grandkids and their spouses and 26 great grandkids and a spouse and one great great granddaughter. Tom/Dad/Granddad was loved and treasured, and he will be truly missed!

Join us Monday January 13, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ault at 11:00am as we say goodbye to our beloved Patriarch. Burial to follow at Eaton Cemetery. Reception at St. Mary’s in Ault following the graveside service.