Ronald Elbert Olinger

Entered into rest November 24, 2012 from a long illness. Born February 13, 1930 in Mitchell, South Dakota. Moved to Spokane, Washington in 1941. Preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Orvilla L. Olinger, sister Carol Kaelin and brother James D. Olinger. In 1946 he enlisted in the Army and served for 2 years, most of it in Germany. Ron was a Locomotive Engineer for forty-two years, 29 years with the Milwaukee Railroad in Spokane, and 13 years with the Western Pacific & Union Pacific in Portola, California. He was a lifetime member of the VFW #1345. He was also a long-standing member of the Foothills Community Church. Ron loved to stream fish and do wood working. He spent the last 18 years with his wife, family and the Spokamper Club traveling from Alaska to Arizona to the New England states. On January 19, 1951 he married his childhood sweetheart Roberta, to whom he was married for 61 years. He is survived by his wife Roberta (Bobbie), daughter Dani (Mike) Atwood, son Brian (Carey) Olinger and son Mike (Corinne) Olinger, seven grandchildren with spouses, and fifteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at the Foothills Community Church, 11102 N. Forker Rd., Spokane, Washington on Saturday, December 1st at 2:00 p.m. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Foothills Community Church or the Union Gospel Mission.