Olinger, Delva Marie 'Del' (Martin)

Delva Marie “Del” (Martin) Olinger, 60, of Marion, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a courageous battle with cancer. Celebration of Life: noon Saturday, July 14, at Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, rural Marion, by Pastor Jon C. Moss. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion.

Survivors include her daughter, Elaine (Mike) Collet of Des Moines; her son, Nick Olinger of Marion; her parents, Paul and Dorothy of Marion; a brother, Richard (Faith) Martin of Alburnett; and two sisters, Paula Patterson of Marion and Marilyn Kriegel (Lee Johnson) of Marion.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Cindy Lea Martin.

Del was born June 9, 1952, the daughter of Paul Everett and Dorothy Lee (Wagner) Martin in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 1970 and attended Kirkwood Community College and UNI. Del worked as the head baker at Linn-Mar Schools Food Service for over 20 years.

Del was a member of Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, a past 4-H leader, and she coached kids softball and basketball.

Del was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was affectionately known as MacGyver because she could fix anything and was an expert on home remedies. Del loved going for a ride, especially her Honda motorcycle. She loved both the Iowa State Fair and Old Threshers Reunion.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Del's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Del at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published July 12, 2012 in The Gazette