The funeral service for Daniel "Dan" Oelkers will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5th, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester, with Pastor Alan Horn officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Millville Cemetery in Millville.

Daniel Dean Oelkers, 54, passed away at his home in Rochester on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Dan was born in Rochester, May 1, 1960 to Darrell and Virginia (Anding) Oelkers. He was raised in Byron, MN and went to school kindergarten through graduation at Byron High School.
Dan worked at Crenlo in Rochester for a couple of years. He married Rene Roeber in 1982. They had two children together, and were later divorced.

Dan built a home in Rochester where he remained for 30 years. He owned and worked Oelkers Spray and Seal business for over 30 years in Rochester. In March of 2000 he married Darla Grobe. Through the last years of his illness, she has been of great help and support to him.

Dan liked NASCAR racing, snowmobiling, camping, ATV riding, was a pet lover, enjoyed collecting Wild Wing Prints, pottery, and many various things. Deer hunting was his favorite sport. He enjoyed hunting for himself and guiding some of his nieces and nephews in the sport. He especially enjoyed fishing with his Dad and Uncle Larry. He especially loved spending time with his three granddaughters. Dan was a proud supporter of Rochester Youth Baseball Association from 1992 – 1997. He was also a Pheasants Forever advocate.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Darla Oelkers of Rochester; son, Daniel (Amanda) Oelkers II of Rochester; daughter, Annie (Dillon Kruse) Oelkers of Janesville, MN; granddaughters, Samantha, Abigail, and Brynlee; parents, Darrell "Curly" and Virginia Oelkers of Zumbro Falls; brothers, Dirk (Janelle) Oelkers and Dana (Sherry) Oelkers both of Zumbro Falls; and sister, Dodie (Jim)Jostock of Millville; a very special uncle, Larry "Big Lou" (Doris Jensen) Oelkers of Rochester; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents, and one niece.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4th, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester.