Roy Oelrich
November 16, 1941 ~ April 19, 2012
Roy A. Oelrich, 70, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2012 at his home in Hillsboro ND. He was born November 16, 1941 in Hillsboro ND, the son of James and Marjorie (Weber) Oelrich. He grew up in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High School. Roy proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 until his discharge in 1966. He then returned to North Dakota and made his home in Hillsboro, then Grand Forks where he worked for the University of North Dakota and GF Glass and Paint. Roy was united in marriage to Mary Jane LaDouceur on July 10th, 1970. They lived in Grand Forks, Buxton, and for many years, in Hillsboro. Roy started working for American Crystal Sugar when it opened and worked there for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2010.
Roy loved being outdoors - spending time at the lake, camping, fishing, ice fishing and hunting and being with friends and family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and went on many hunting and fishing trips with them. He was also known to enjoy a trip to the casino, attend sporting events and events of his children and grandchildren. Roy was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher for many years.
Roy is survived by his children, Barb (Todd) Bogaczyk of Blossburg PA, Leo (Linda) Billing of Crookston MN, Brenda (Dan) Johnson of Fergus Falls MN, John Lee of Portland ND, Bruce Lee of Buxton ND, Bonnie (Kenny) Wattier of Randolph NE and Jamie (Rhonda) Lee of Grand Forks ND; his grandchildren, Zach & Mckenzie Bogaczyk, Lacy (Shane) Fredericks, Rebecca (Andy) Fuhrman, Cody Lee, Jessica Lee, Randy (Cassie) Wattier, Amanda (Rob) Jones, Kari (Nick) Langhorst, Andrew (Janet) Anderson, Adam Anderson, Shaun (Liz) White, Michael Lee, Alesia (fiance, Alex Hoffarth) Lunski, Stacy Lee, Miranda Lunski, Hunter Lee and Jenna Lee and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers, Richard Oelrich of Eagle Bend MN, Donald (Ginger) Oelrich of Comstock MN, and Tom (Jan) Oelrich of West Fargo ND and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his parents, one son, Jerry Billing and his brother, Gene Oelrich.
To all family members:
I had the pleasure to have worked very closely with Roy for 4.5years at Hillsboro ND
American Crystal Sugar Company. I am honored to have known and worked with Roy! He was outstanding individual and his family mattered most!
Roy was always ready to help out and lend a hand whenever he was called upon or he would just simply volunteer to help out anytime! He was the most knowledgeable Boiler Chief that I have ever had the pleasure to have worked with at American Crystal Sugar Co.!
In closing I will miss Roy dearly along with that that big belly laugh and his big smile! God bless you Roy forever and always and fly on Angels wings until we met again!
Sincerely
Kevin Hoaas.
Portland TexasThe Oelrich Family from Texas would greatly like to give our sympthy to Uncle Roy’s family for their loss. I ‘m sorry for not being able to attend funeral service, but our thoughts and prayers are with the family always. If there is anything we can ever do for you all please feel free to contact us. All i can say is that
i know Roy will be truly missed, but one day we’ll all be back together with the almighty father in heaven!! God Bless and Love You All Always!!!!
Elk River MN
I am sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Hillsboro Will miss
You big roy
West Fargo ND
I am so sorry to hear about this, our condelences to the family. Roy was (and is) a great guy. I very much enjoyed working with Roy over the years. This is not the end, but another reunion of Roy and his wife. God bless!
Mike & Janelle Goettel
Richville Minnesota
We were so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. We remember many good times attending Hillsboro High School with Roy, and especially my Junior and Senior year on the basketball team where Roy was our big center and a force to be reckoned with.
May God comfort the family at this difficult time.
Keith & Marlene Falconer
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that God will comfort and sustain you. Psalms 34:18 says that He is near to those broken at heart and saves those crushed in spirit. He truly knows the pain you feel. He assures us at John 5:28 that a time will soon come when we will welcome back to our arms those we have lost. Know that time is very near. Allow God to comfort your soul until that day arrives. Please keep His promises close to your heart. I offer my deepest sympathies to your entire family.
St. Paul MN
I remember Roy as a very nice, quiet, hard working young boy. I never remember hearing an unkind word coming out of his mouth in all the years I knew him. Surely he now rests in the arms of our Lord. Peace to all of you who knew him…Nancy 1960