Warren H. Oelmann

Warren H.B. Oelmann died Friday, October 31, 2008 at U.W. Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin following a valiant battle with cancer.   He was born on November 3, 1927 in rural Ackley, Iowa, the son of the late Gustave and Anna Bunte Oelmann.   He was a World War II veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Navy at only 17 years old, after graduating from Ackley High School.   After receiving an honorable discharge in 1946, Warren enrolled at the University of Iowa from which he graduated in 1949.   On May 27, 1950, Warren married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Greenfield.   He was a weights and measures inspector for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.   After his retirement from the state, Warren and Marge embarked on a second career as antique dealers.   He was especially knowledgeable about American primitives, lighting devices, and sheet music.   He was a friendly person who enjoyed meeting new people and talking with them.   Warren was a lifelong learner who had many interests.   He was a world traveler, avid reader, and dedicated sports fan, particularly for his alma mater's Iowa Hawkeyes. He appreciated nature and enjoyed observing his backyard's furry and feathered residents.   He was an excellent nature photographer who was skilled at computer photo editing.   He enjoyed having a beautiful home and yard and valued being and having good neighbors.   Warren's family was the number one interest in his life and he relished spending time with and keeping up with the daily activities of each member of his family.   His personal strength and determination helped him to accomplish a final September 2008 trip to a family reunion in North Carolina.   Warren's passing leaves an enormous void that will be filled with precious memories in the hearts of his loved ones. In addition to his wife and best friend, Marge, he leaves behind a daughter, Mary Kay Collins (John) of Goldsboro, North Carolina, and, a son, Tom Oelmann (Marty) of Waukesha, Wisconsin.   He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Amy Miller (Andy) and Carrie Wiebe (Bill); and, his five great-grandchildren (""the sweeties""), Ashley, Aidan, and Austin Miller, and Kayla and Andrew Wiebe all of Goldsboro, North Carolina.   He is further survived by other relatives including his sister and brother-in-law, Leona and Merle Hunt of Ackley, Iowa; his sisters-in-law and brothers in-law, Marlene and Bob King of Stewartville, Minnesota; and, Marva and Bob Doerring of Newton, Iowa.   He is also survived by six nieces and nephews. Private family services were held.