William D. Oehlerking

LAWTON, Iowa | William D. "Bill" Oehlerking, 62, of Lawton passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at a Sioux City hospital. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Community Presbyterian Church in Lawton, with the Rev. Cyndy Ripperger officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Pierson, Iowa, with military graveside services performed by the American Legion, Harrison F. Pederson Post 291 of Pierson. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., all at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Bill was born Dec. 13, 1950, in Sioux City, the son of William G. and Janice (Zeisler) Oehlerking. He attended Lawton-Bronson High School. This is where he met his high school sweetheart, Patty Handke. They were married on May 23, 1970, in Bronson. Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1971. Bill and Pat lived in Bronson for 18 years before moving to an acreage in Lawton. Bill worked for Prince Manufacturing for 30 years before retiring in 2003. After retiring, Bill had more time to enjoy golfing, bowling, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Patricia of Lawton; his sons, William P. and his wife, Sheryl of Hornick, Iowa, James and his wife, Carrie of Pierson, Iowa; his daughter, Carrie of Ankeny, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Megan, Nick, Alyssa, Matt, Layce, Alyvia and Abigayle; one great-grandson, Hunter; his mother-in-law, DeLoris Handke of Lawton; two sisters, Cindy Schlichte and her husband, Denny of Le Mars, Iowa, and Sherry Willson of Pierson, Iowa; and two brothers, Randall Oehlerking and Kenneth Oehlerking, both of Sioux City. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Terry Watchorn, Doug and Bob Doran, Nick Oehlerking, Nick and Matt Beaver, David Gorsett and Merv Crosgrove.