Ralph Kenneth Oelke

Ralph Kenneth Oelke, devoted to his family and his Catholic faith, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, at Hoosier Village, in Indianapolis. He was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin, to Raymond Oelke and Hedwiga "Hattie" Matulis Oelke, who predeceased him. Ralph was the eldest of their four sons, the late Russell Oelke (the late Judy), Ronald Oelke, and the late Richard Oelke (Debbie.)

Ralph honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. It was after returning from service in Germany, that he met his wife of 66 years, Joanne Wolf. They met and married in Milwaukee. During the early years of their marriage he earned a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University.

Ralph's professional life led the family to Mattoon, Illinois in 1968 for his 30 year career with General Electric. It was in Mattoon where he and Joanne raised their three girls Kathleen, Karen and Kristin.  After retirement from GE, he served the Mattoon community by leading Catholic Charities and the Mattoon Food Bank.

A lifelong Catholic, Ralph was a proud and active 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving the esteemed rank of 4th degree Knight, including leading the Mattoon council as Grand Knight, another testament to his commitment to his faith and service.

As part of his Polish-German heritage, he grew up with and loved polka music. Throughout their marriage Ralph and Joanne traveled often to dance and listen to their favorite polka bands and cherished all the fun memories of dancing together for hours. His love of polka music led him to take up the acordian after retirement, taking weekly music lessons at the University of Illinois for many years. Ralph was also a Certified Master Gardener by the University of Illinois, and loved gardening. While at Hoosier Village the last six years, he had a community garden plot, affectionately known as his farm, where he loved growing vegetables and sharing his harvest every year with his Hoosier Village neighbors. He also volunteered at the Indianapolis Roudebush VA hospital and the Boone County Habitat for Humanity.

His family knew him as Dad, Gramps and Bapa and the guy who could fix anything. He was devoted to and cherished by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne (nee Wolf) Oelke, and his three daughters, Kathleen Kinsella, Karen (Tim) Lobdell, and Kristin Oelke. Ralph was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Marcus Kinsella (Rahul Mahajan), Anne (Andrew) Coltman, Bridgette Lobdell, and Sam Lobdell. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Eleanor Coltman and Theodore Coltman. 

Ralph's legacy will be honored during visitation at St. Alphonsus Liguori Roman Catholic Church, located at 1870 West Oak Street in Zionsville, Indiana, on October 29, 2024, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Following the visitation and rosary, a Mass will be held at the same location, commencing at 11:00 AM. To view the livestream, click here.

His family and friends will remember Ralph for his steadfast love, warm presence, dry wit and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to share in his life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made direct to the Mattoon Community Food Bank or the Boone County Habitat for Humanity.