James 'Jim' Olinger

LA CRESCENT, Minn. Jim Peter Olinger, 52, passed away in La Crescent on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born March 29, 1952, in La Crosse to Harold and Mary Olinger.

Jim attended the Freeburg Elementary School, Caledonia High School and the Winona Technical School.

Even though, knowing he had Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer, he kept doing the work he loved, working the family farm. After receiving a stem cell transplant at Mayo Clinic, he was able the continue that love.

During this time, Jim, his son, Brad, and his father, Harold, received the Outstanding Conservationist Award from the Root River Soil and Water Conservation District. Their farm is the fifth generation to be in the Olinger name. Love of the land, his family and his friends kept Jim going through a difficult time.

Jim was an avid sportsman. He was a member of the Wild Turkey Federation and of Pheasants Forever.

Survivors include his son, Bradley Olinger of La Crescent; his parents, Harold and Mary Olinger of Freeburg; two sisters, Bonnie (Art) Wehrmann, Louisville, Ky.; and Louise (Ed) Parks; and nephews, Matt, all of Colorado Springs, Colo.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Brownsville, Minn.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at Breza Hall, St. Patrick's Church, Brownsville.

Posted: December 10, 2004, Winona Daily News