James Howard Olk

James H. Olk, “Jay” age 91 of Clintonville, passed away early Friday morning, July 8, 2016 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton.

James Howard Olk was born December 18, 1924 in Neenah, WI the son of the late Harold & Claribel (Hastings) Olk. He was raised in Clintonville and was a lifelong member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. He attended St. Rose School and graduated from Clintonville High School in 1942. He attended the University Of Wisconsin School Of Pharmacy from 1942 to 1943 and then served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a staff sergeant in the European Theatre for two years during WWII, being honorably discharged in August 1945. He returned to the UW School of Pharmacy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in June 1948. He then became employed at Olk Drug Store in Clintonville working for his father, and in 1955 became co-owner with his brother, Harold C. Olk. On June 9, 1951 Jay married Bernice Helen Durben at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Five children followed. As a member of St. Rose, Jay was an active participant. He was a mass server, sang in the pre-Vatican II Latin mass adult choir, and was a lector and Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post # 63, Clintonville, and the Riverside Golf Course. Jay enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, watching TV, and following the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.

Survivors include:

His wife of 65 years: Bernice D. Olk

His children: Frederick J. Olk, Cicero, IL, Elizabeth O. (Andrew) Borchardt, Redgranite, Stephen Olk, Appleton, William Olk, Clintonville, Dr. Douglas G. (Marilyn) Olk, Dubuque, IA

Grandchildren: Gregory Olk, Rochester, MN, Rachel Olk, Madison, & Michael Olk, Dubuque, IA

Sisters-in-law: Marjorie Olk, Dorothy M. Peplinski, & Bernadette M. Bittner

Many nieces & nephews

James was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold C. Olk; & brother-in-law, Norbert Peplinski.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Saturday, July 16, 2016 at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville with the Rev. John “Jack” Mullarkey officiating. Interment will follow at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Clintonville. Military honor rites will be conducted by the VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, & American Legion Aux. Unit #63, all of Clintonville.

Friends may call on Saturday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.

Jay’s family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors, nurses and medical facilities that cared for him.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting his family. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.

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