Verne C. "Oly" Olinger's Obituary
Verne C. Olinger "Oly", age 73, born August 24th 1947 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on April 14th 2021. Born to Marvin and Eva Olinger. Survived by wife of 45 years, Sue; children, Daniel Celaya, Wendy (Mark) Mulvaney, and Jeanna (Michael) Olinger-Skaggs.
Verne was one of seven children, Lila Speckels, Ken (Carolyn) Olinger, Donna Todd, twin Vicki (Jim) Kettler, Don Olinger, Rod (Sandy) Olinger. He spent his younger years visiting the family farm and family outings enjoying outdoor activities like pheasant hunting, riding horses and milking cows. He especially enjoyed his visits with aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a graduate of Washington Senior High School Class of 1965.
He served honorably in the Air Force from 1966-1970 where he was an aircraft mechanic working on single and dual engine fighter jets. His service took him to places like Korea and the Philippines. He was a member of the American Legion Post 138 and life member of the VFW Post 15049.
After leaving the Air Force he continued his love for all things mechanical and spent another 17 years working at local dealerships and was an instructor at Fort Steilacoom Community College where he taught automotive technology.
The majority of his career (30 years) was spent with the Department of Defense at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard working on carriers and sub marines which included sea trials.
He was talented in many ways and mostly self taught, he enjoyed remodeling and improving his home, spending time on the waters with the Day Island Yacht Club and served as Commodore. He had a knack for rebuilding motorcycles/cars and loved heading to the woods with his buddies to hunt. He was known for his devilish grin, always quick to share a joke and lend a helping hand. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Verne is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Eva Olinger and brother in law Milo Speckels.
Military honors will be conducted in Sioux Falls, SD during internment later this summer.
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