Colleen Elsie Oelsen

Colleen Elsie Starkel Oelsen, of Lancaster and Santa Clarita, passed away on October 18, 2022 in Santa Clarita, California. Colleen was born April 13, 1934 in Walla Walla, Washington. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary (Koon) and Henry Starkel, her husband, Marvin Oelsen, her sister Rose Starkel Andre, brothers David, Walter and Bill Starkel and her first husband Chuck Hulsizer.

As a young child and schoolgirl, Colleen was raised on the family farm in Marlin, Washington where she acquired a love of family, a deep respect for hard work, friendship and faith and an appreciation for beauty in its varied expressions. Colleen moved with her family to Southern California as a high school student and graduated from Glendale High School in 1952. She met and married Chuck Hulsizer in 1954. Colleen and Chuck divorced in 1964; but, were excellent parents and supportive of one another and their boys until Chuck’s passing in 2014.

Colleen was strikingly beautiful—inside and out. Her charm and love of people formed the basis of a successful career in retail sales. She began work as a sales clerk in the 1950’s at local department store (Wescott and Plumber) on the old Lancaster Boulevard and later fashioned a successful career as the lead store clerk for the Weber’s Bread retail store in Lancaster from 1961 until her retirement in 1992.

As a single parent, Colleen instilled in her boys, Michael and Rick, an appreciation for the importance of family, gratitude, work, struggle, perseverance, respect for others less fortunate, and “finding beauty” in people, animals and nature. Possessing an extraordinary work ethic, Colleen worked many days when not feeling her best and she never turned down an opportunity to work overtime to better provide for her family. She was an exceptional role model for her boys and co-workers.

In 1978, Colleen married her second husband Marvin Oelsen and they shared over 20 wonderful years together. Colleen and Marvin loved to travel throughout California, the United States and islands in the Pacific.

Throughout her adult life Colleen considered Lancaster her home; but in her final two years developed a genuine respect and appreciation for Santa Clarita. She came to deeply care for her hard working and loving caregivers Vilma, Tim, Rita and Maxie at Elder Creek Villa in Saugus.

As an adult she attended church faithfully with her husband Marvin, enjoying the friendship of many wonderful people in Rosamond (Grace Chapel) and Lancaster (Central Christian Church). After moving to Santa Clarita in 2020, Colleen and her son Rick were warmly welcomed by the Valencia United Methodist Church community.

Colleen is survived by her sons Michael (wife Susan) Hulsizer, Rick Hulsizer, Brad (wife Julie) Oelsen and Gary (wife Pam) Oelsen, daughter Lynn Oelsen, grandchildren Ashley Oelsen, Erik Oelsen, Amy Oelsen Dillihay, Jillian (husband Noah) Oelsen Ragusa, Cameron Oelsen, Christine Hulsizer, Reid (partner Stefany Rodriguez) Hulsizer, Ari Hulsizer Stevens, Dylan Hulsizer and great grand children Hunter and Hadley Stevens, Lilly and Brady Dillihay, Olivia and Owen Oelsen, Savanah Ragusa and Reid Maximiliano Hulsizer.

A Celebration of Life service, followed by a catered reception for family and friends will be held at Valencia United Methodist Church (25718 McBean Parkway in Valencia) on Friday, October 28 starting at 1:30 PM. Burial services will be private.

Family and friends are invited to share special memories, stories and photos of Colleen at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lancaster-ca/colleen-oelsen-10976586

In lieu of flowers, Colleen’s family respectfully requests donations be made in her name to the “Growing Into Tomorrow” Fund (Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355) and/or the Alzheimer’s Association (225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Il 60601).