Robert C. “Bob” Oelker
Born: December 29, 1928 Died: April 28, 2024
Robert Clarence Oelker, 95, passed away peacefully on April 28th at the Nazareth Home, Louisville, KY.
Bob was born December 29, 1928 in Lawrenceburg, IN, son of Clarence and Amelia (Cramer) Oelker. Growing up on the family farm, he attended a one-room school, the Homestead School and Lawrenceburg High School.
1951 – 1953 he proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was deployed to Munich, Germany as a member of the 485th Combat Engineers. He was awarded the National Defense and Occupation of Germany medals. Bob was also a dedicated member of the SE Indiana Korean War Veterans Association and local Color Guard unit – presiding at many military veteran’s funerals.
Upon returning from military service, he married Marjorie L. Bohl of Brookville, IN on April 11, 1953. They resided for more than 60 years in their home on Ludlow Hill – a home that was built by Bob. As a Union carpenter (Local 1142), he was employed by Roy A. Miller & Son General Contractor, the Joseph E Seagram’s distillery, and worked on the Markland Dam project. He was also a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Throughout the years, he helped many family members and friends with fix-it projects, custom cabinetry, constructing room additions and garages, saw sharpening, furniture making, snowplowing, and more. Together with his sons, he volunteered for several Habitat for Humanity projects – including a Thrivent Builds home in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was an active member of the F.A.R.M. Club of Southeastern Indiana, and Bob also found time to enjoy the Bohl family farm and woods, guitar playing, gardening, and fishing.
To be near their family, Bob and his wife moved to Louisville, KY where they resided together at the Nazareth Home and were recently able to celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary.
As a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church (Bellaire), Bob cared deeply for his church family and shared his Christian faith through gifts of time and resources.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie; daughter Cindy (Tom) Moreo of Toledo, OH; His son Dale (Tonja) Oelker of Louisville, KY and daughter-in-law Joy Oelker of Laurel, IN; Sister – Dorothy Lattire of Aurora,IN. Grandchildren: Chris Oelker; Kara Oelker; Rachel (Brendan) Williams; Ryan (Kristen) Oelker; Ciara Russell; Joni (Gage) Dunbar; Amanda Moreo; Mary Jo (Mark) Hensley, Marci (Travis) Smith; 12 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his son, Jeff, infant son Stephen and sister Janet Oelker.
Visitation will be at St. John Lutheran Church, Lawrenceburg, IN on Wednesday, May 1 from 5 – 7 PM and Thursday, May 2 at 10 AM prior to the 11 AM funeral service. Interment will follow in the St. John Lutheran Church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Love the Hungry, Inc. or the St. John Lutheran Church Outreach Endowment Fund.