Richard Walter Oelze

Richard Walter Oelze, 89, was born in Oak Park, Illinois on August 31, 1935 to Walter and Cornelia Oelze. He trusted Jesus as his Savior early in life, and walked by faith with Him through all his days. Rich (as he was called), grew up in Summit, Illinois, graduated from Argo Community High School, and then attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for one year, before going to work for his dad’s business – Oelze Towing. Over the years, he kept his children captive with many stories of some very exciting towing jobs! Rich met his beautiful wife-to-be Marilyn Joan Campbell, on a blind date to go sledding. When he saw her for the first time, he fell hard! They were later married on November 2, 1956, and lived in Summit, Illinois, where they raised their three children. While working with his dad, he also served part-time for a number of years with the Army National Guard. Later, he left the towing business to work for Cicero Bible Press, eventually moving with the company to Harrison, Arkansas. That was followed by a move to Winona Lake, Indiana, where he worked for many years as head of shipping/receiving for a Christian film producer – Ken Anderson Films. He even got to have a minor role in some of their films! Rich loved to organize anything and everything, and loved being involved with food, so… in the early 90’s, he (and mom) moved to northern Wisconsin, to serve as part of the staff at Camp Forest Springs. He was Food Service Director, and mom, Head Cook and Camp Nurse. They got LOTS of compliments on their food – “the best the camp had EVER had”! After five years there, they retired and moved back to Indiana, then on to the Branson, Missouri area, before finally moving here to Wichita, Kansas. Rich and his wife enjoyed traveling and visited many places – including Paris, Israel, a missions trip to Russia, and several cruises. They celebrated 68 years of marriage on November 2nd of this year, a feat not many accomplish! They dearly loved each other, and were a wonderful example to everyone of faithfulness and commitment in marriage. Rich entered “into His gates with thanksgiving” on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024, and now lives with his Savior in glory. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his 3 children, Carol (Jim) Wold, Mark (Zerrin) Oelze, John (Linda) Oelze, 9 grandchildren, Brittany, Christy (Daniel), Micah J., Steven, Taya, Kimberly (Jay), Micah H. (Kerry), Ben (Kayla), Erin (Jordan), and 7 precious great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Joanne (Ken) Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the Central Community Church, 6100 W Maple St, Wichita, KS 67209, in the Central Landing Chapel. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 1640 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67212, with military honors by the Kansas National Guard. Family will greet friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, December 2, at the Central Community Church in the Central Landing Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Ott Funeral Home of Haven is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Walter Oelze

August 31, 1935 - November 28, 2024