Richard "Dick" Olinger

Richard “Dick” Olinger, 84, of St Paul, died Saturday, June 16, 2018, at his home peacefully amongst family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday June 20th, at the United Methodist Church, 1320 Baxter St, St Paul, NE with Dave Brehm officiating.

Following the service, a reception for friends and family will be held at the “The Sweet Shoppe” on Howard St, downtown St Paul.  A private family Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to 1038 Hardy Road, St. Paul.  Donations in lieu flowers can be made to the Howard County Medical Center Foundation.

Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family.

Dick was born on August 26th, 1933 in Denver, Colorado, the second son of Eugene and Frances Olinger.  He grew up in Denver and graduated from East High School in 1951.  He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder graduating in in 1955 and was commissioned as a Navy Ensign. 

During college Dick met and married Gena Rae Trueblood of Grand Island on June 12th 1955.  Navy life took Dick and Gena on a journey of duty stations in Alaska, California, Mississippi, Texas, Washington State, Hawaii and Illinois.  Dick served multiple deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany off the coast of Viet Nam.  He was recognized for gallantry for his efforts fighting a catastrophic fire aboard the carrier.  Retiring from the Navy, Dick and Gena returned to the Denver area in the early 80’s. 

Dick went back to school and received a degree in Psychology and began a short career as a volunteer Probation Officer and Substance Abuse Counselor. His next career move brought Dick and Gena to their farm south of St. Paul, Nebraska in 1983. 

Along the way Dick raised two children, Karen and Scott.  Dick was very active in the St Paul community as a member of Rotary, Howard County Hospital Board, Economic Development Corporation, Crime Stoppers, Chamber of Commerce, Masonic Lodge #82 and American Legion.

Survivors include his daughter, Karen (David) Smith of Golden, CO, a son, Scott (Caroline) Olinger of Batavia, IL; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Frances Olinger of Denver; wife, Gena Olinger of St. Paul; and brother Gene Olinger of Denver.

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