Archived Services

Josephine "Jo" Olinger
09-21-2012

Josephine Maria (Mrs. John) Olinger, 82 of Sioux Falls, passed away Friday, September 21, 2012 in her home following a short illness. Jo was born March 4, 1930 in Hartington, NE to Anton and Mary (Schnuettgen) Wartmann. Jo graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hartington, NE in 1947. Following graduation, she taught at local country schools.

On September 5, 1950, Jo married John N. Olinger and moved to Sioux Falls in 1961. From this union, 13 children were born; Sherril (Mark) Vondra, Bridgewater, SD, Mike (Brenda) Olinger, Grapevine, TX, Mary Jo Olinger (deceased), Janice Olinger, Sioux Falls, SD, Karen (Rick) Lewis, Plano, TX, Jack Olinger, Hartford, SD, Jim (Lois) Olinger, Haslett, TX, Kristi Olinger, Sioux Falls, SD, Dan (Allison) Olinger, Carrollton, TX, Kevin Olinger, Sioux Falls, SD, Keith (Karri) Olinger, Lewisville, TX, Brian (Gen) Olinger, Irving, TX, Chad (Mallivan) Olinger, Little Elm, TX.

19 grandchildren include Paul, Stacey (Schneider) and Brett Vondra; John and Heath Olinger and Deana Ousley; Nick and Tyler Mase; Amber Kelly; Luke and Megan Olinger; Adam and Ben Olinger; Andrew, Anna, Dominic, and Katherine Olinger; Chase and Reese Olinger.

10 great grandchildren: Kaeli, Issaac, and Alex Vondra; Caitlyn Schneider; Nicholas and Isabella Olinger; Caden and Trista Ousley; Jude and Jai Kelly.

Jo is survived by her husband; 1 sister, Teddy Wueben; 1 brother, Francis (Irene) Wartmann; 1 sister-in-law Annie Wartmann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 2 Sisters, 3 brothers-in-law and daughter, Mary Jo.

Jo was an avid crocheting/knitter. She volunteered her time making quilts at Avera for cancer patients. Jo was also involved in her beloved bridge groups. She also sang in the St. Mary’s Funeral Choir. She was a fixture at the Gas Stop for 36 years on Cliff Ave. and 26th St.

Visitation will be Monday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 6:30 PM followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Osmond, NE.