Lawrence Oelke

Lawrence Oelke, age 72, of Janesville passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at his residence following a 10 year battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Janesville with Father Michael Cronin officiating. Interment will be held at St. Ann's Cemetery in Janesville. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory of Janesville from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Lawrence John, son of Elroy and Helen (Szyszka) Oelke, was born on December 17, 1942 in Blue Earth, MN. He attended and graduated from Blue Earth High School. Following his schooling, he served his country in the United States Air Force. After his time in the service, he worked as an auto body repairman before retiring after 37 years. Larry was united in marriage to Beverly Kopesky on November 24, 1973 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN.

Larry loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved the Lord, lived a very joyful life for others, and because of this, was blessed with a patient and gentle soul. Larry loved cars, especially corvettes. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, racing, and card games.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Oelke of Janesville; children, Dawn (Eric) Thomas of Mankato, Jeffrey Oelke of Janesville, and Matthew Luke Oelke of Janesville; grandsons, Jackson and Mitchell Thomas; siblings, Gene (Shannon) Oelke of Janesville, John (Stella) Oelke of Elysian, Joan (Harlan) Lanz of North Mankato, and Mark (Doreen) Oelke of Waseca; brothers-in-law, Ken (Mary Ellen) Kopesky of Greensboro, GA and Rich (Kris) Kopesky of Cleveland; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elroy and Helen; and by his mother and father-in-law, Kenneth and Mary Kopesky.