Age: 94
April 4, 1927 – August 12, 2021
John N. Olinger was born April 4, 1927, to Roy and Martha Olinger in South Bend, IN. John passed away on August 12, 2021, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Hope and husband Floyd Skinner, and brother-in-law Keith Morris.
John graduated from North Manchester High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1946, was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1947, and joined the Air Force. He then went on to graduate from Northwestern Medical School in Chicago.
John married his lifetime love Lois (Sylvester) on February 23, 1952, in Detroit. Two days later he was sent (by the Air Force) to serve two years in Japan during the Korean conflict, interrupting his residency. John did his OB/GYN internship at Harper Hospital in Detroit, MI and a three-year residency at Florence Crittenton Hospital in Detroit, which again was interrupted by the Korean conflict. In 1956, he accepted a position, partnering with Louis A. Loes, and together they formed the Women’s and Children’s Medical Clinic (now CentraCare). He and his wife Lois were married 69 years and enjoyed traveling the world together. For 51 consecutive years, they traveled to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, each Winter. John enjoyed Lois’ cooking, photography, playing cards with friends, hunting, fishing and golfing, to name a few.
He is survived by his wife Lois, sons Steven (Anne), Michael, Thomas (Max), Timothy (Brenda), Christopher (Darla) and Susan (Tony Lussenhop, M.D.)
His grandchildren include Neil Olinger (Kelly), Eric Olinger, Angela Olinger (Tony), Tasha Olinger, Baylee Eichoff, Britta Olinger, Warren Olinger, Dr. Emily Olinger, Madalyn Olinger, Dr. Lauren Lussenhop (Eric), Carolyn Lussenhop (Cameron), Jack Lussenhop and Georgia Lussenhop. His great grandchildren include Isla, Silas and Monty. John is also survived by his American Foreign Studies family, Benny Elmi and wife Ellence, and son their James.
We wish to thank the caring and compassionate staff at the St Cloud Hospital during his brief and final stay.
A celebration of life memorial will be held on October 18th, at 11:00 AM, at St. John’s Abbey Church (main), with a reception to follow. John will be interned at St John’s Parish Cemetery in a private, family only, ceremony prior to the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Cathedral High School, St. John’s Scholarship Fund or donor’s choice.
Schedule and Information
A celebration of life memorial will be held on October 18th, at 11:00 AM, at St. John’s Abbey Church (main), with a reception to follow. John will be interned at St John’s Parish Cemetery in a private, family only, ceremony prior to the memorial.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Cathedral High School, St. John’s Scholarship Fund or donor’s choice.
Celebration of Life Location
St. John’s Abbey Church (Main)
2900 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville, MN 56321
4 Comments. Leave new
Your husband/dad was my ob/gyn. Delivery one of two babies. He was a wonderful Dr.
Remembering him with much respect.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing you all have my sympathy.
Dr Olinger delivered my Mother’s 12th child & my first two! He was compassionate – caring- and also had a great wit. My sympathy to Mrs Olinger & Family
I had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Olinger for many years at Women & Children’s. He was a well respected physician and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was kind and caring both to his patients and those that worked with/for him. He had a tremendous love for his family and was so proud of all of you. My sympathy to all of you on the loss of this gentle man!