Franklin 'Frank' William Ollinger's Obituary
Franklin "Frank" William Ollinger, age 68, of Moravia, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by his family.
Frank was born on September 15, 1951 in Marengo, Iowa, the son of Evard John Ollinger and Lois M. (Begunck) Ollinger. He graduated from HLV with the Class of 1971. He was united in marriage to Deborah Jean Horne on October 25, 1975, at the Trinity United Church of Christ, south of Marengo, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Susan and Steven.
Frank worked at the Amana Refrigeration plant in his early adult years. Frank and Deb lived in Ladora after they got married. He was a firefighter there until the family relocated. In 1989, the family moved to southern Iowa, where Frank began working at Rathbun Reginal Water Association in the lab. He was employed there until his retirement in September of 2017. Frank started as a volunteer firefighter in Mystic in 1989, and later transferred to the Moravia Fire Department. He was a firefighter for 42 years, and a 1st Responder for several years as well.
Next to Franks family, his happy place was at Lake Rathbun. He loved boating on the lake. He volunteered at Lake Rathbun for many years, doing various jobs. He enjoyed sitting around campfires and talking with all of the campers. He received recognition for his volunteer service from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Kansas City District.
Frank was also a longtime, devoted member of the Knights of Columbus. Through years of hard work and dedication, Frank had achieved fourth degree knighthood with the Knights of Columbus. He was also a dedicated member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Centerville. Frank was also a huge supporter of the Moravia Schools, especially Moravia Athletics.
Left to honor Franks memory are his wife of 44 years, Deb Ollinger of Moravia; his children, Susan (Willie) Martin of Moravia and Steven (Tracie) Ollinger of Lemoore, California; a brother, Les (Linda) Ollinger of Grinnell, Iowa; a nephew, Issac (Alanna) Ollinger; a niece, Katie (Heston) Clark; eight grandchildren, Jacob Martin, Nicholas Martin, Wil Martin, Ethan Martin, Zander Martin, Angel (Lucas) Yanes, Dakota Ollinger, and Riley Ollinger; his other "daughters" Jenna Benjamin (and her daughter, Callie Jo) and Laura Cavey; a special friend- his loving dog, Sophie; along with other family members, including great nieces, a great nephew on the way, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Evard and Lois Ollinger, an uncle, Charles Hunzelman, and a niece, Erin Ollinger.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, February 10, 2020 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Centerville with Father Timothy Armbruster officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Moravia. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Moravia from 12-6 PM, with the family greeting friends from 3-6 PM, Sunday evening. A Rosary will be conducted at 2:30 PM on Sunday. Memorials have been designated to the Moravia Athletic Department, and may be dropped off or mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, c/o Frank Ollinger, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be expressed online at www.langefh.com. In honor of Frank's love of Moravia Schools, please wear Moravia colors to the service.
Recitation of the Rosary
2020-02-09 14:30:00
Lange Funeral Home & Crematory
103 N. John Street
Moravia
IA
52571
Visitation
2020-02-09 15:00:00
18:00:00
Lange Funeral Home & Crematory
103 N. John Street
Moravia
IA
52571
Mass of Christian Burial
2020-02-10 10:30:00
St. Mary's Catholic Church
828 South 18th Street
Centerville
IA
52544
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