Christian Biography of Lale H. Oellerich

Lale H.Oellerich, the son of Fritz and Fern (Gilbert) Oellerich, was born on March 16, 1938 on a farm 2 ½ miles west of Davenport, Nebraska. He passed away on August 4, 2015 at the St. Elizabeth's Regional Medical Center at Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 77 years, 4 months, 19 days.

Lale was confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport. Lale grew up in Nuckolls County and attended District 68 country school from first grade through fifth grade. Lale continued his education at Davenport Public Schools, graduating May 17, 1955. He then served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963, when he was honorably discharged.

Lale married Esther Smith on November 25, 1967 and born to this union was a daughter, and he also raised three stepsons. Lale worked for Bergt Sand & Gravel, Doher Grain, and various area farmers. He moved back to the family farm outside of Davenport in 1967 and enjoyed farming (corn and beans along with raising hogs and cattle). Lale retired from farming in 2002. Lale entered into matrimony with Ruth Mesloh on February 19, 1998, and acquired three stepdaughters and one stepson. Lale will be missed greatly by all of his friends and family.

He collected John Deere tractor memorabilia and loved to read about them as well. One of his pastimes was working in his garden. Lale was a proud Davenport High School Alumni and always kept his "Orange Bible" (alumni book) close to his chair.

Lale was a member of the Davenport American Legion, Davenport Fire Dept., Davenport Rural Fire Board, Nuckolls County Cattlemen, Nuckolls County Pork Producers, Davenport United Methodist Church and Administrative Board. Lale was always willing to help out his neighbors and friends whenever they were in need.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Otis; infant sister, Yvonne; and infant stepdaughter.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Davenport, NE; daughter; Amy (Scott) Love, of Delaware, OH, stepsons: Leonard (Margaret) Smith, of Howells, NE; Scott (Kelly) Smith, of Davenport, NE; Darren (Kathy) Smith, of Beatrice, NE; J. J. (Dianne) McDole, of Kearney, NE; stepdaughters: Georgia Fear, of Sutherland, NE; Jessica (Darren) Thompson, of Guide Rock, NE; Eileen (Mick) Jahn, of Kearney, NE; grandchildren: Anthony Burton; Bryce Love; Raul & Jose Smith; Stacy (Andy) Thompson; Danielle & Kale Smith; Sunny, Kodey, Bronson & Zannie Smith; Thomas & Pyper Ewing; Landan & Larren Fear; Anya &Allison Thompson; Emma & Heath Jahn, great-grandchildren: Preston & Jason Thompson; Hayln & Jaiden Mackey and Xavier Smith, sisters-in-law: Helen Oellerich, of Memphis, TN, Nancy (Bob) Beck, of Claflin, KS, L. Jane (Art) Wehnes, of Bennet, NE, brother-in-law: Wayne (Yolanda) Marget, of Red Cloud, NE; other relatives and many, many, friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm from the United Methodist Church in Davenport, Nebraska with Rev. Mike Anderson and Rev. Warren Schoming officiating.

Music was "You Are Mine," "It Is Well With My Soul," "Old Rugged Cross," "You Raise Me Up," "On Eagle's Wings," and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," with Holly Schoming as the accompanist and Eileen and Emma Jahn as the vocalists.

Visitation was held on August 7, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Pallbearers were Richard Mosier, Jim Hogeland, Warren Evans, Tim Lowery, Barry Urbauer, and Charlie Heyen. Honorary Pallbearers were D.R. Miller, Joe Keim, Wendell Lowery, Lloyd Holtzen, Marv Holtzen, John Dahl, Mark Bergt and Dennis Follmer.

Interment with Full Military Honors was in the Davenport City Cemetery at Davenport, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to Memorials may go to the Davenport Cemetery Board, Davenport Fire Department or the Davenport Community Building Kitchen Fund

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.