Jack Olinger

John “Jack” Olinger, 76, passed into eternal life Thursday, October 1, 2020 at his home in West Fargo, ND.  He was surrounded by his loving wife, Diane, and daughters Angie and Becky.  Jack had been cared for by Hospice due to a progressive pulmonary illness.

John “Jack” Joseph Olinger was born in Mitchell, SD on August 14, 1944 to Joseph and Geraldine (Loes) Olinger.  He grew up in Emery, SD and graduated from Emery High School.  Jack enlisted in the US Navy on February 27, 1963 and was Honorably Discharged on February 24, 1967.  He served an additional two years in the Naval Reserves.  Jack was extremely proud of his service to our country.

Jack was united in holy matrimony to Diane Kressman on April 20, 1968 in Emery, SD.  He attended Minneapolis Business College in Bloomington, MN.  After, they moved to Minot, ND where they raised their daughters, Angela and Rebecca.  Jack was employed at the Minot Air Force Base as a civil service contractor.  He retired in 2007 and moved to West Fargo.  Jack and Diane enjoyed family and friends, and spent summers at their home in Detroit Lakes, MN.  Jack loved being on the water and doing just about anything… except fishing.  He continued to water ski each year, until just recently.

Jack was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo.  He was a devout Catholic who set a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Jack, knew that he loved to laugh.  He could make friends with anyone, and once you got to know him, he could give you a hard time just because he liked you… always in good fun with his contagious smile.

When his grandchildren were around, he had a special sparkle in his eye.  The boys could get him laughing and riled up, the girls would melt his heart.  He was their biggest fan and would attend any event of theirs he could.  The kids could hear from the stands and know grandpa was there with his loud cheering and whistle.  He could sit for hours playing card games with the kids, making them laugh the entire time.  Even as he became sick, he would put his own concerns aside in order to focus his attention on his family. 

He will be missed by so many because of how deeply he cared for others.  Although he is gone, his example of faith and family will be a legacy carried on by those he loved. He is survived by his wife Diane, daughters: Angela (Brent) Buhr, Casselton, and Rebecca (Steven) Kraljic, Bismarck;  Eleven grandchildren: Alexis, Stevie, Peyton, Eddie, Tommy, Eli, Joey, Kole, Maggie, Cloey & Teddy;  Three siblings: Nancy (Vincent) Keenan, Sioux Falls, Richard (Caroll) Olinger, San Tan Valley, AZ, Donald (Rose) Olinger, Sioux Falls, and several nieces and nephews.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Thomas & James.

Visitation:   5 - 7 pm Sunday, October 4, 2020, with a Prayer Service held at 7 pm, all in West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo

Funeral Mass:  11:30 am Monday, October 5, 2020 in Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo.

Burial:   1 pm Monday in Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND, with full military honors.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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