JOHN PAUL OLINGER, 83, of Hemet, CA, passed away on
Sept. 12, 2009, after a brief illness and a heart attack.
Paul was born in Woonsocket, SD, on July 26, 1926, and was
raised on the family farm. He attended Dakota Wesleyan
University, transferred and graduated from South Dakota State
University in Brookings, SD. Paul obtained his Masters Degree
in Education from the University of Minnesota. In 1948, he
married his university sweetheart, Mary Voas, from Thomas,
SD. At the time of his death, they have been married for
over 61 years.
Paul was a much loved teacher, principal and guidance
counselor. He spent many years as a teacher of children,
teens and adults before he became a Guidance Counselor for
North Middle School in Rapid City, SD. Paul then served as
Principal for Meadowbrook Elementary School in Rapid City,
SD, Pine Ridge School in South Dakota, and elementary schools
in Ranger, TX (1984-88) and San Antonio, TX. When Paul
retired, he and his wife Mary lived in various states: Florida,
Minnesota, Arizona, Pennsylvania and California. For the last
15 years, Paul and Mary lived in Hemet, CA.
Paul is survived by his wife Mary, now of Denver, CO, his
son David Olinger (married to Jenny Deam) of Denver, CO,
his daughter Joan Olinger (married to Nick Kuiper) of London,
Ontario, Canada, his daughter Sharon Voas of Pittsburg, PA, and
four grandchildren (Joshua, Quinn & Gabriel Deam-Olinger; Heather
Kuiper).
He was predeceased by his parents Helen and Nick Olinger, his
brother Douglas Olinger, and his sister Lucille Hollister. Paul
will long be remembered for his ability to talk with anyone and
his ability to love everyone.