Gaylord Delano Oelke, 79, of Monona passed from this life March 11, 2018 at the Great River Care Center, McGregor, IA. Gaylord was born May 28, 1938 to Gaylord C. and Iva (Palas) Oelke at Farmersburg, Iowa. He was baptized June 19, 1938 at St. John’s Lutheran, Farmersburg; confirmed May 13, 1951 at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Monona. Gaylord graduated from Monona High School in 1955 and later attended Iowa State University. On April 4, 1959 he was united in marriage to Judith Grove.
Gaylord was a life-long learner completing the Dale Carnegie course that enabled him to memorize all the United States presidents and the 91st Psalm. He graduated from horseshoeing school, the Reisch School of Auctioneering and heavy equipment operator’s school. He earned his private pilot’s license and taught himself to ride a unicycle, which he rode as a clown in Shrine parades.
Gaylord owned and operated a water softener business, did auctioneering and sold real estate, drove semi in all 48 contiguous states, did crop spraying and sold products in the agricultural field.
In 1975 Gaylord received a commendation from the city of Cedar Rapids for his part in the rescue of a woman and her son from the Cedar River.
His interests included fishing, playing cards, raising and training Border Collies, and restoring tractors.
Gaylord is survived by his wife, Judith; his son, Christopher Edward; grandchildren, Austin, Dylan, Cierra and Christopher Delano; great-granddaughters, Alayla Judith and Macey Lynn; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Jacquelyn Butterfield; six nieces and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Iva; brother, Edward; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Marvelyn Grove; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Margaret Grove.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one -hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Forest Mills United Methodist Church, rural Postville, Iowa with Rev. Kim Gates as the Officiant.
Burial will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.