Obit: Oelhafen, Earl L. (1928 - 2003)

Poster: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Oelhafen, Bailey, Damon, Cole

---Source: The Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas) 30 Dec. 2003

---Oelhafen, Earl L. (23 May 1928 - 26 Nov. 2003)

Oelhafen, Earl L. ROCKFORD, ILL. -

Earl L. Oelhafen died on Wednesday evening, Nov. 26, 2003, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was the beloved husband of Alice (Bailey) Oelhafen whom he married at a garden wedding in Lake Windsor on August 4, 1962. The couple had considered eloping to Las Vegas while there in August, with the plan to go through with their arranged wedding in Wisconsin, but complications arose, and they continued with the original plans.

Born May 23, 1928, in Tomahawk, Wis., he was the son of George and Arlette (Damon) Oelhafen. Earl grew up in Tomahawk where he was a printers apprentice during his formative high school years. After graduation from high school, he worked as a printer for several printing companies in Tomahawk, Madison and Rockford, in the ensuing years.

Later he worked for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce prior to being employed by Sams Club, Rockford, for almost 15 years as a door greeter, where he made many friends with his co-workers and customers. Among his many community activities, he was a 50 year member of both the Rockford Masonic Lodge and Tebala Shrine Temple. Earl and Alice shared many wonderful summer vacations in Northern Wisconsin and other parts of the country, and many winters in Maui, Hawaii where they developed lasting friendships.

He is survived by his wife, Alice of 41 years; two dear sisters-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy (Harvey) Cole of Monona, Wis. and Mrs. Sylvia (John) Bailey of Madison; and numerous relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and many close relatives.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, at OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, Ill., from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to our Saviors Lutheran Church or Northern Illinois Hospice Program, Rockford.