Jerry R. Ollendieck

Gerald “Jerry” Raymond Ollendieck, age 79, of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed peacefully Monday, May 27, 2019, at home surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Friday, May 31, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Daniel Knipper officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Thursday, May 30, 2019, from 4-7 p.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, and will continue at the church for one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jerry was born on July 15, 1939, to Ray and Lucille (Reinhardt) Ollendieck in Cresco, IA.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cresco.  He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1957, then enlisted in the U.S. Army until 1959, and served several years in the Army Reserves.  He married Julia “Judy” Hemesath on July 31st, 1961.  To this union 5 children were born Rodney, Terry, Glenda, Brian, and Mike.  Jerry was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (now Notre Dame).  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and board member for Calvary Cemetery. 

He was a lifelong farmer with many other occupations, including owning and operating Calmar Laundromat, managing multiple chemical and fertilizer companies.  He owned and operated the Chatterbox Café in Ridgeway, started Plantation Country View Housing Development, along with Plantation Vinyl Products. 

Jerry and Judy’s passions in life included their antique John Deere tractors, classic car, and participating in parades and car shows.  The last few years Jerry enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, AZ, where he became very good friends with many people.  There was never a shortage of laughter and storytelling, especially at daily happy hour. 

Jerry truly loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

He is survived by his children Rodney (Janet Smith) of Ridgeway, Terry (Ann) of Ridgeway, Glenda (Tom) Bodensteiner of Decorah, Brian of Clear Lake, and Mike of Ridgeway, 7 grandchildren Amanda Wolter, Ashley Reicks, Logen Ollendieck, Austin Ollendieck, Hannah Ollendieck, Kody Bodensteiner, Julia Ollendieck, 5 great grandchildren Dawson and Liam Wolter, Owen, Aiden, and Aubrey Reicks, sisters Betty Wenthold, Dorene (Butch) Burnikel, and sister-in-law Sharon Ollendieck.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his parents Ray and Lucille, brother Wayne, and brother-in-law Louis Wenthold.

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