Rodney L Oelke

Rod Oelke, 74, passed away in the early hours on Monday, September 19, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula surrounded by his wife and several of his family members. Rod was born on January 3, 1942 to Bennie and Martha Heinle Oelke in Missoula, MT.

He attended Franklin Grade School and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1960. He was active in football and track and was a proud member of the Missoula County High School Golden "M" Club. After high school he furthered his education, attending Northern Montana College in Havre, Rapid City School of Mines, and the University of Montana.

On October 11, 1975, Rod married Kathy Alsaker. With this union their family included one son and three daughters.

Rod worked for Anaconda Forest Products and then owned and managed Culbertson Steel Manufacturing, Inc. In the late 80s, he continued his work with steel manufacturing across the Pacific Northwest. He started working for Missoula County Public Schools in 1992 as the Facilities Manager until his retirement. After retirement he and Kathy traveled to Hawaii, Alsaka, Washington, DC, other locations on the east coast, and spent time visiting family and friends.

When he was 27 years old he spent over four continuous months in hospitals in Missoula and Spokane to overcome an injury. He was determined to rewrite his future. Many who knew Rod never saw him with limitations. This strength is what defined Rod. As the years progressed and his health began to decline as a result of his injuries, he stayed strong, many not knowing of his struggles.

Rod was a sports fan, loved the Steelers as long as they were winning. He enjoyed playing golf, and teaching his children and grandchildren about sports, and pertinent life skills. From mowing lawns, swinging a hammer, car maintenance, raising cattle with his dad, and drawing house plans, he was always the student, teacher and mentor. He was proud of the family home they built in 1980 with help from family members. Rod silently shared his knowledge by example. He volunteered to help build a house for teachers in Hawaii, and worked on Big Sky High School’s original football stadium.

Rod enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, visiting and telling stories, sharing memories, lunch on Friday with the Missoula Business Builders, and weekly lunch and dinners with friends.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Harry Alsaker. Survivors include his loving wife Kathy, children and grandchildren, Brian & Reyna Oelke, of Redmond WA, children Libby, Michael and Kevin; Sheryl & Carl Stevenson of SeaTac, WA, children, Jaden, Nolen, Brennan and Julianne; Lori & Sid Seay of Polson, children KC & Shawna McDonald of Kalispell, son Kason; Kyla & Tommy Jaeger of Polson, children Kendyl, Blane and Rhett; Kaitlyn & Brendon Miller of Kalispell, children Kamryn and Kynlee; Kody McDonald and his fiancé Becky Fairchild of Great Falls; Rene’ & Pete Nazelrod of Missoula, children Derrek and Lexa. Rod’s sister Jan & Mike Lovec of Baker, MT, children Mike Menger and fiancé Mindi Murnion of Baker MT and their daughter Adison; and Stacy & Kelly Kinsey of Billings, children Sloan and Briggs. A loving mother-in-law, Wanda Alsaker and special brother and sister-in-law, Tom & Laura Alsaker, their daughter Kim & Jim Lucostic, their children Kelsey and Seamus Lucostic, and numerous cousins.

A graveside service will be at the Missoula Cemetery, 2000 Cemetery Road, Friday, September 30 at 9:30 and a memorial service at 11:00, at Bethel Community Church, 1601 South 6th Street, West, followed by a lunch reception.

The family would like to extend appreciation to Rod’s doctors, Dr. Michael Caldwell, Dr. Sarah Scott, Dr. Ashley Mays, Heidi Meierbachtol, and the doctors and nurses of St. Patrick’s ICU Unit.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Providence Montana Health Foundation, 500 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59801. Please specify either The International Heart Institute of Montana or Montana Cancer Center, or Bethel Community Church.