David W. Olkiewicz, 74, Ripon, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2012 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was born the son of William and Stella (Berlowski) Olkiewicz. David served with the United States Air Force from 1954 through 1958 where he spent his military years traveling overseas. David resided in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he worked for the National Weather Service until his retirement.

David enjoyed photography and was the family photographer at every gathering and event. David's gift was the craft of woodworking. His woodshop was his haven where he meticulously crafted projects shared by family members.

David's greatest joy was spending time with his grandson, Bennett. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with everyone. David was loved for his soft-spoken, witty and strong character. He was generous with his time and talents whenever the situation would arise. His courage, strength and perseverance throughout his battle with cancer was inspirational. We will miss him very much.

David is survived by his son Christopher (Beth) Olkiewicz, grandson Bennett Olkiewicz, and son, Scott Viertel. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas (Mary) Olkiewicz and his children Kirsten (Keith) Wilson and Will (April) Olkiewicz, Robert Olkiewicz and his children Dawn Sippl, Tami (David) Hunt, Robert (Kerri) Olkiewicz and Carrie (William) Schettle, Jerry Olkiewicz, his sisters, Kathy Erickson and her children Mary (Steve) Sernka, Anne Zwirchitz and Steve (Pam) Erickson, Vicki (Dan) Schuster and her children Scott Schuster and Kimberly Schuster, and Rose Olkiewicz and her children Abby (Jack) Prall and Michael Moldenhauer. He is further survived by 18 great-nieces and great-nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, William and Stella Olkiewicz, brother, William Olkiewicz; brother in law, William Erickson; nephew, John Erickson and nephew, Mathew Olkiewicz.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Monday, June 18, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 730 Madison Ave., Omro from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Mattern and Sr. Pam Biehl officiating. Interment will be in the Eureka Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at the Hospice Home for Hope in the name of David W. Olkiewicz.