Jerry David Oelrich

Jerry David “Big Oh’’ Oelrich age 67 from Bemidji, MN passed away peacefully Sunday June 17th, 2018 at his home after a long battle with COPD. He was surrounded by his wife, and many family and friends during his final days.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 30, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji with Pastor Linnea Papke-Larson officiating. A Time of Sharing will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2018 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Jerry David Oelrich was born November 19th, 1950 to Harry and Josephine Oelrich in Bemidji, MN. Jerry attended Bemidji High School and Northwest Technical College. Following his education he worked at Bemidji Sign Co. for approximately 5 years, and then went to work for Norbord MN Inc. for 29 years until he retired as Lead Press Operator.

Jerry married Patricia (Tolman) Lewis of Bemidji in July of 1970 and together had 3 wonderful children. After their divorce, Jerry met Michele (Lunseth) Oelrich in August of 1984 and they were married July 1, 1989. Jerry then became a proud step-father to 4 more children.

Jerrys main passion and pride in life was his family. He loved sitting out on his patio drinking coffee with his wife and watching his children and grandchildren play at the lake and catch fish. He also enjoyed taking them for rides on the golf cart or pontoon.

Jerry was a lover of the outdoors, an avid outdoorsmen who spent countless hours fishing and hunting with his family and friends, and enjoyed spending time at his hunting cabin in Tuttle, ND. When not hunting, Jerry loved to watch and photograph deer and other wildlife, or tend to his garden. He mastered his mothers secret recipe for canning homemade pickles, which he loved to share.

Jerry also loved to collect football and baseball cards, so much, he even opened his own card shop in the basement of his home. He was a huge fan of the MN Vikings, and cheered them on every season with his family.

Jerry was known for his ability to listen and was always there for you when you needed to talk.

He is survived by his loving wife Michele, his children Michael Oelrich, Paul (Erin) Oelrich, and Sarah (Casey) Norden, Sonja (Jeff Zimmerman) McCollum, Culley (Brittany) Sebo, Jaimee Meyer, and Mary Jo (Aaron) Chirpich.

His grandchildren Zac, Bracen, Caitlin, Peyton, Lauren, Noah, Brynn, Averi, Shelby, Lilliana, Carsten, Madelyn, Courtney, Hudson and Silas.

His siblings Dan (Lynn) Oelrich (Goochland, VA), Ron (Deb) Oelrich (Bemidji, MN) and Joan (Mike) Webb (Charlotte, NC).

Many nieces, nephews, special friends and neighbors, Dallas and Kristin Peterson and Pete and Kari Carlson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Josephine Oelrich.

Online guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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