Earl was born Dec. 21, 1929, the eldest child of Herman and Hilda Studt Oelerich.
He entered God’s care on Dec. 5 at Senior Star, where he and Janet lived for seven years. Earl graduated Central High School in 1948, where he was a basketball standout. He was chosen to “play” once with the Harlem Globetrotters. He served in the National Guard and was a farmer when he met and married the love of his life, Janet Ruby Grell, on June 28, 1952. They had six children, Rick (Diane) Oelerich of Davenport, Julie (Mike) Clark of Jesup, Vicki (Gregory) Angove of Cedar Falls, Sherri (David) Siena of Burnsville, N.C., Michael (Francisca) Oelerich of Lebanon, Ohio, Mark (Patricia) Oelerich of Harlingen, Texas. They have 13 grandchildren, James and Jon (Jacque) Oelerich, Melissa (Tim) Kane, BJ (friend Sarah Faust) Collins, Brandon (Stephanie) Brown, Nicole (Tonya) Watters, Amanda (Josh) Jackson, Jonathan (Megan) Watters, David Oelerich, Hanz Oelerich, Jeffrey (Rachel) Oelerich, Scott Oelerich and Katherine Oelerich. Two step-grandchildren, Justin (Haley) Clark and Jenna Clark. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Jordan Oelerich, Alexis (Jake) Zuck, Brandon Kane, Trevor Kane, Ellianna Brown, Alex, Emma, Austin, and Isabel Erlandson, Charles Watters, Jackson and Killian Watters, baby Watters, due soon, and Nicholas Oelerich. Seven step-great-grandchildren, Anthony Natarelli, Olivia, Larissa, and Keaton Nelson-Moser, Matthew, Anna and Lucy Clark. A great-great-grandchild, Oliver Zuck, and a brother on the way. Earl has two sisters, MaryAnn (James) Mente, deceased, and Shirley (Jack, deceased) Morrow of DeWitt. Brothers-in-law Jerry (Roma) Grell, deceased, and Gus (Jill, deceased) Grell of Sun City West, Ariz.
While on the farm, Earl attended night school, moving the family to Eldridge in December 1967, opening Oelerich & Associates Accounting firm. Earl was president of the Accountant’s Association of Iowa. Rick worked many years alongside his father before Earl retired from Rick’s business at age 83. Earl started a flag football team, youth basketball, was very involved with The Moonlight Chase in Eldridge as well as the treasurer at Faith Lutheran Church for many years. Earl was Exalted Ruler and Treasurer for the Elks Club. He delivered dictionaries to third graders well into his 80s. He and Janet were involved with the Handicapped Development Center for many years.
There was a private family gathering at Runge’s. Earl loved his family and passed on a great legacy of love to many who knew him. A joint celebration of their lives will be at the Elks Club when Janet passes. Memorials can be directed to Elks Club or the Handicapped Development Center. Send memorials and condolences to Janet Oelerich, 4500 Elmore Place #120, Davenport, IA 52807.
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