Harlan Oelke

On Sunday, August 30, 2009. Harlan John Oelke was born on April 24, 1921 in Hoxie, Sheridan County, Kansas. His wife, Dorothy S. Oelke, preceded him in death. He is survived by daughters, Olivia O. (Paul J.) Schueler of Lafayette, IN, and Amelia A. O. ( Donald J.) Titzman of Rockville, MD; grandson, Benjamin G. O. Schueler and his companion, Karoline L. Uhler, of Chicago, IL; brother, Paul G. (Mary Ann) Oelke of Hoxie, KS; sisters, Clarice Hyde of Sacramento, CA, Carlotta (Raymond) Tweed of Red River, NM, Carol Junge of Sun City West, AZ; sisters-in-law Louise and JoAnn Oelke of Hoxie, KS, and Alice Oelke of Colby, KS; and dear family friend, DeVera Baalman of Cimarron, KS. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Elementary and graduated from Hoxie High School. During and after high school, he worked on farms and in small businesses in Kansas and Idaho. During WWII, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, enrolled in radio and electronics trainings, and served in the South Pacific. After the war, he settled in Washington, DC. He married Dorothy M. Schneider in 1952. He graduated from the School of Electrical Engineering at George Washington University. He worked for the Harry Diamond Laboratory until his retirement. He was an active member of First Trinity Lutheran Church and involved in its partnered ministries, Community Family Life Services, Lifeline Partnership, transitional housing projects, and job training for ex-offenders; as well as the Lutheran Lay Fellowship and George Washington University Alumni Association. Also preceding his death were parents, John J. and Esther R. Oelke, his sister, Dolora Stohs and her husband, Melvin Stohs; his brothers, Edward, Franklin, Fredric, Johnnie, and Victor Oelke; his brothers-in-law James Hyde and Robert Junge; and dear friend of the family, Lawrence Baalman. Friends may call on Friday, September 4 from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm, at the home of his daughter, Amelia Titzman. Service will be Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 am at First Trinity Lutheran Church, 4th and E Streets N.W., Washington, DC. Interment on Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 am at Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to Lifeline Partnership, 309 E. st. NW. Washington, DC. 20001. Arrangements by GASCH'S FUNERAL HOME, P.A.