Bruce Oentrich

Bruce Edward Oentrich, the son of Elda (Kuehl) and Fritz Oentrich, was born in Cherokee, IA on October 6, 1957. He received his early education in Pipestone, MN and Larrabee, IA, and completed his schooling in the Cherokee Public School. He was employed at the Cherokee Work Activity Center for 39 years. Bruce took great pride in his work, and loved his job so much that he was disappointed when snow days caused the work center to close. He enjoyed participating in Special Olympics, and was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys. His favorite pastimes were polka dancing, listening to polka music, bowling, swimming, watching wrestling, and collecting pig figurines. His greatest joys were spending time with his family and his roommates at Cherry House, and eating hot fudge caramel sundaes from Dairy Queen. Bruce was very proud of the fact that he was able to live independently. He was blessed with many dedicated people who supported him with this achievement. His sister, Shirley, had been his guardian since 1984, and a long-time caregiver for him. He was a loving, caring, happy person, and had a multitude of friends. With his wonderful sense of humor and witty personality, he was always the life of the party. He will be missed by all who knew him. When his health began to fail, Bruce moved to Country Side Estates in Cherokee. He passed away there on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at the age of 57. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Arlo 'Ozzie' Oentrich, and a brother-in-law, Bob Zembsch. Survivors include two sisters, Shirley Zembsch of Cherokee, IA, and Sharon (Orlyn) Miller of Minneapolis, MN; a sister-in-law, Joan Oentrich of Cherokee, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family suggests memorials in Bruce's name be directed to the Cherokee County Work Services at 322 S. Lake St., Cherokee, IA 51012

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