80
Salem, SD
November 22, 2023
Deanna Mae Olinger, 80, of Salem, SD, died unexpectedly November 22, 2023, in Sioux Falls. A funeral was held on November 25, 2023 at 11 a.m, at Unite Church in Salem. A visitation with the family present was held on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 5 p.m. to -7 p.m. at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem.
Deanna was born on May 21, 1943 to Dale and Fern (Lindbloom) Spicer. She graduated from Canistota High School in 1961 and attended General Beadle State College in Madison, where she received her teaching certificate. Deanna married LeRoy Olinger on October 26, 1963. They lived the remainder of their time together in Salem.
Deanna taught country school for six years and then stayed home to care for her children. She then worked at the Salem Special and Canistota Clipper newspapers and last worked as an education assistant at McCook Central for several years before retiring. She had a kind heart for all and always encouraged her students and family in all areas of education.
One of Deanna’s greatest joys was preparing for and hosting family gatherings; she made sure everyone felt welcomed and included. She enjoyed reading books, putting puzzles together and sending cards with her beautiful handwriting to all her family and friends. Deanna continued to meet regularly with her Birthday Club ladies and her former school co-workers. Deanna was an active member of Unite Church in Salem, SD and spent many years teaching Sunday School and serving on church committees.
Deanna is survived by her husband, LeRoy, of Salem; her daughters, Laurie (Troy) Sterrett of Hartford, SD, Jill (Todd) Peichel of Sioux Falls, SD, Kristi (Paul) Winterfeldt of Roseville, MN, and son, Brad (Dana) Olinger of Sioux Falls, SD. She was a beloved grandmother to Michaela (Robert) Corsini and Zachary Sterrett, Abbie and Emily Peichel, Paige and Ethan Winterfeldt, Whitley, Reese, and Annabella Olinger, and Ansley and Grayden Buus, and great-grandchildren, Montana and Elijah Sterrett. She is also survived by brother and sisters-in-law, Bob and Gen Olinger of Mitchell, SD, and Barb Spicer of Canistota, SD, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Larry, Sharon and Tom Spicer and Jackie Spawn.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kinzley Funeral Home.