Obituary of Donald L. Olberding

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Don “Spike” Olberding, 92, beloved husband, Father and Grandfather who peacefully passed away on, Saturday, December 21^st, 2024, at Mercy One Dyersville Senior Care.

Visitation will be held from 8 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Philip Agyei will officiate.

Spike was born April 21^st, 1932 in Dyersville, the son of Frank and Ceil (Meis) Olberding. He married the love of his life Darlene (Klostermann) on November 23^rd, 1953, at St Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. He Worked for Mid-American Dairy Men as a field representative for over 30 years.

Don was a devoted husband to his wife Darlene, they were married for 71 years. He was a proud father to 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 13.5 great-grandchildren. Don was a dog lover and would give any dog a chance to be a coon dog. He loved golf, bowling, hunting and fishing. Staying active in all his hobbies until he reached 90 years old. He enjoyed gardening, playing euchre and even helping Darlene in the kitchen in his later years. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Don is a member of the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.

Don and Darlene were always together, living in their own home for many years in Dyersville until they moved to the Ellen Kennedy Center in September of 2023 and to Senior Care together in July of 2024. They were always seen holding hands. When their whole family would get together Don would say to Darlene with a
proud smile, “Look at what we started”.

Survivors include his Wife of 71 years, Darlene, 6 Children: Randy (Julie) Olberding, Kim (Donna) Olberding, Brian (Shellie) Olberding, all of Dyersville, Gloria (Steve) Keppler, of Manchester, Sharon Blank and Jane (Lynn) Hennings, of Cedar Rapids; 16 Grandkids: Brent Blank, Jenna (Chris) Johnson, Jill (Tyler) Stenger, Beth Gravel( Fiancé David Trembly), Ben Olberding, Nick (Amanda) Olberding, Kristi (Scott) Fehrenkamp, Kalli (Owen) Brehm, Phil ( Samantha) Keppler, Drew Keppler, Alexandra (Connor) Collins, Allison (Josh) Deggendorf, Carson Hennings, Anna Olberding, Claire Olberding, Luke Olberding; 13.5 Great Grandchildren; In-laws: Roger (Lois) Klostermann, Verna Lee Kronlage and Marge Olberding.

He was preceded in Death by his parents, Siblings: Mercedes (Gilbert) Singsank, Germaine (Joe) Schlichte, Catherine (Jim) Griffin, Gerald (Erma) Olberding, Delbert Olberding, Ray (Gen) Olberding and Bob (Eileen) Olberding.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.