Christopher Olerich

Christopher E. Olerich, 45, passed away at his home in Ogden on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at Grace Community Church in Boone. Pastor Tim Trudeau will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Grace Community Church in Boone, and also prior to services at the Church on Wednesday. Burial will be on the family farm east of Pilot Mound. Carson - Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden is in charge of the arrangements.

Christopher Ernest Olerich was born on March 28, 1967, in Carroll, Iowa, the son of Charles and Linda (Schroeder) Olerich. He was raised in the Scranton and Jefferson area graduating with the Jefferson Scranton High School class of 1986.

On July 2, 1988, he was married to Linda Anderson in Rippey, and they were later divorced. Chris married Pam Orris on September 21, 2002, in Jefferson and they divorced on July 31, 2008.

On May 30, 2009, Chris was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lora Ahrens in a fairytale wedding on horseback in Boone, Iowa. He moved to Ogden at that time to share his life with Lora and his children.

Chris worked at True Value in Jefferson from 1984 to 1996. He was later employed with Kum N Go in Jefferson, Ames, and Boone from 1996 until the time of his death. Chris worked as a sales associate working his way to district supervisor, and then due to health became a manager for the Kum N Go Store in Boone. He also worked daily with his wife with her insurance and real estate business, Lora & Company.

Chris was an active member of Grace Community Church in Boone. He was a proud member of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department servicing and saving many citizens during his 18 years of service, and had served as a Sergeant for two years and then Captain of the department for an additional two years. He was also involved in "Rides to Remember" providing horse rides for celebrations, weddings, and other events. Chris enjoyed dancing, horseback riding, camping, and hunting with his friends and family. Chris was an inspiration and friend to many and lived life to the fullest.

Survivors include his wife Lora Ahrens Olerich of Ogden, IA; son, Nicolas Olerich of Ogden, IA; daughter, Sarah (Brandon) Olerich of Jefferson, IA; step- daughter, Cassidy Shreve living at home; his mother Linda Harms of Boyer, IA; father-in-law, Ronald Ahrens of Boone, Iowa; granddaughter, Naomi Schirmbeck of Jefferson, IA; sisters, Fae (Chris) Walker of Boyer, IA, Rae Olerich (Val Whitaker) of Jefferson, IA, Tonya (Dray) Miller of Lincoln, NE, Kelly (Dale) Spalding of Kiron, IA, Jolene (Carolyn Wittrock) Harms of Carroll, IA, and Stacy (Curt) Harms of Carroll, IA; one brother, Jimmie "Shorty" (Sarah) Harms of Odebolt, IA; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Olerich, and his step-father, Jimmie Harms.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be set up in Chris's name.