OBITUARY
Fred Jacob Oelke Jr.
March 10, 1944 – September 15, 2021
Fred Oelke was born on March 10, 1944, to Linda (Erdman) and Fred Oelke. He grew up on the family farm near Hazen, ND. As the only son, his father named their trucking business “Oelke and Son Livestock Trucking”. Fred drove the red semi-tractor and trailer for the business while in high school. Fred worked for his uncle and traveled South custom combining. He also worked road construction and as a ranch hand for his brother-in-law. Fred attended North Dakota State University and earned a degree in Pharmacy. He practiced pharmacy in Dayton, Ohio, and Lamar, Colorado, before moving to Longmont, Colorado, where he began a real estate career and business known as Four Seasons Realty. Fred sold his business, retired and began his enjoyment of gardening and cooking. Fred was a car enthusiast and had a Model T roadster in high school. He’d frequently drive by his younger sisters walking to school and wave but didn’t offer them a ride. Fred had a “need for speed” and racing cars, motor cycles and snow mobiles. His snowmobile companions dug him out of a snow ditch more than once when Fred decided to pass them off of the groomed trail. Fred was known for being a prankster, story teller and his jokes. His sisters frequently were the brunt of his pranks. He frequently made fun of himself, which drew the most laughter. Fred will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
Fred is survived by sisters Yvonne Heinemeyer, Lynn Oelke, and Cynthia (Steve) Richter, nephews Scott Baisch, Jim Reid, Matthew Richter, Michael Richter; nieces Andrea Monson, Victoria Ellingson, Whitney Harchenko.
Fred is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sisters Evelyn Baisch and Audrey Westrum and his brother in law, Jim Heinemeyer.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Howe Mortuary with Pastor Dan Hansen officiating.
Services
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Celebration of Life
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Memories
Fred Jacob Oelke Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYStacy Nix
September 30, 2021
Fred was a wonderful man. I worked with him for many years at Four Seasons Realty. He always had a funny story or a joke to tell. He loved his Ski Boat and always was ready for a party at MacIntosh Lake or Carter Lake. He will be missed by many people. My condolences to the family. He always had a smile on his face.
I was unable to attend his service as I live in Palm Springs, Ca. You will be missed my friend. Stacy Johnson Nix
Stephanie McKay
September 22, 2021
I managed a local title insurance company and Fred was a long time client of mine, as well as one of my favorite realtors. I loved doing closings with Fred because he was always prepared, professional, and he always had a smile on his face. I am originally from North Dakota too, so I always felt Fred and I shared a special bond. He was a wonderful guy, and I considered him a personal friend as well as a client. I was out of town when I heard of his passing, and I was unable to attend his celebration/service. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I send my sincere condolences to his sisters and his family. I will miss Fred.
Craig Piowaty
September 20, 2021
Fred sure was the coolest guy I knew growing up! I’ll always be thankful for the times my brothers and I spent with him at the lake when we were young boys following the death of our father. He’s the guy who taught me to slalom ski on his super fast Baja ski boat on MacIntosh Lake. Every once in a while he’d even let me drive it.
I’ll always remember Fred as one of the funniest and kindest people I’ve ever met. I don’t know of anyone who complained of a bad time whenever he was around.
My condolences to the family!
Bob Bawn
September 19, 2021
Fred and I have become good friends in the last five years; sometimes watching NASCAR Cup series races as sounding boards for how we might do better than the kids actually driving. We both had lots of truth stretching experience about cars.
I believe he was a very "straight arrow" in his business life as shown by the number of his loyal friends and family who will miss him often.
Who will now take the morning walks to pick up screws & other obstacles off the street to keep them out of our tires while creating a funny story to go with them?
Bob Bawn
Jeff Engelman
September 19, 2021
Fred was a great loyal friend. We shared an interest in cars and dirtbikes. Dianne & I did many real estate transactions with Fred. I appreciated his drop by visits, his humor, and celebrating our birthdays together since they were within a week of each other. I will greatly miss Fred and seeing his red Porsche or blue BMW pull into the driveway. God Bless