John Oldenberg

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, April 30, 2020
at his home near Philip at the age of 38

John Allen Oldenberg was born the youngest of four, on October 16, 1981. He was born in Philip, South Dakota where his parents Dan and Esther (Carpenter) Oldenberg made their home.

He attended Alfalfa Valley School and Philip High School. John was a member of Haakon and Jackson County 4-H groups. He was part of a community where it is hard to tell the difference between family, friends, and neighbors, because he was always around when you needed help.

John had been married to Alisha McConnell for a time in his life. This sadly ended in a divorce.

John had always wanted to be a rancher. He loved the land and the smell of fresh cut hay. The time in his life when he was battling cancer was made easier when he got home. He loved listening to Grandpa Shorty, Uncle John, and Bill sit around and talk of “the old days”. John remembered the tea parties and Old Maid card games with Grandma Leona. He loved just visiting and spending time with family and friends.

John touched the lives of many people in his life. He had an impact on people when he attended school, worked at Philip Livestock, got health treatments, and was just a part of the community he loved. John’s spirit was forged into a will to live and to bring cheer to others. His friends shared stories about John with laughter, not tears. Remembering innumerable times that he made them laugh, pranking them, or simply being stubborn and unyielding in being himself. The memories we carry from with him will never be forgotten.

Survivors include his parents Danny and Esther Oldenberg of Philip; one brother Daniel “Heath” (Julie) Oldenberg of Rapid City; two sisters Melanie (Todd) Thompson of Tampa, Florida, and Valerie Oldenberg of Philip; and loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.

John was preceded by grandparents Gilbert “Shorty” Oldenberg and Pearl Aske Oldenberg; Warren A. Carpenter of Colorado; and cousins Noah and Jeremy Stavnas.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Service Details

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Guest Book

We send prayers for your family, John was a special young man and will be missed so much.
   ~ Marcia & Tom Biller Minong, Wisconsin (5/1/2020)
Remembering John as that special little boy that went to our Cottonwood 4-H Club and sending prayers for all the family.
   ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler Philip, SD (5/1/2020)
Dan, Esther and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts break for you. Prayers and Hugs to you all.
   ~ Rick and Nancy (Pekron) Ehrhardt Brandon SD (5/3/2020)
Esther,Dan and family. We are so sorry for your loss of John. The Lord will hold you in the palm of his hands as you walk through this deep valley. We are so sadden for your family. Love and prayers.
   ~ Marty and Debbie Hansen Philip (5/3/2020)
I am so sorry for your loss, Oldenberg family. John was a one-in-a-million kind of guy: so optimistic, happy, encouraging, and funny. He was a great classmate and friend. Sending hugs and prayers of comfort.
   ~ Emily (Peterson) Eichler Columbia, SD (5/2/2020)
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. A cousin.
   ~ Sharon Harder Grand Island, NE (5/2/2020)
Esther and family, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. You are all in our thought and
prayers.
   ~ Kurt & Jessica Flesner Milesville, SD (5/2/2020)
Dan, Esther, & family. I am so saddened to hear about your recent loss. It is always difficult when the loss is way before one's time on earth should come due. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief.
   ~ Bryan Kiel Amherst, Ohioo (5/1/2020)
Dan Esther and family-You are in our thoughts and prayers
   ~ Roger and Marie Mach Rapid City, SD (5/3/2020)
Deepest sympathy to John's family. So sorry for your loss!
   ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (5/2/2020)
Dan and Esther: our thoughts are with you and your family
   ~ Tom & Jeannie Gebes Cheyenne, WY (5/1/2020)
"You have our deepest, sincerest sympathy."
   ~ Edward & Kathleen Spellmon Georgetown, Texas (5/2/2020)
We are so sorry for the loss of John. May find comfort in each other and your memories. Prayers to you all during this most difficult time.
   ~ Duane & J’Nai Hauk Quinn, SD (5/1/2020)

   ~ Don Goodsell Lakewood, Colorado (5/3/2020)
Val and family I am so sorry to hear about John he was a great classmate.
   ~ Amanda Neville Rapid City, South Dakota (5/1/2020)
Dan, Esther & Family, so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
   ~ Marie (Heltzel) Pederson Black Hawk, SD (5/2/2020)
Our deepest sympathy to you all,Ester, Danny and family. May you cherish all your fond memories and may the Lord give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Prays for your family.
   ~ Joyce and Ed Bichholz Belle Fourche, SD (5/2/2020)
I am so sorry to hear this news. John has been a part of my life in one form or another for pretty much as long as i can remember. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.. Rest easy John..
   ~ Lacey Logan-Thorson Philip SD (5/1/2020)
So sorry to hear about the loss of John, he was a wonderful classmate & friend & I have many great memories of him. Prayers to your family during this time.
   ~ Scott & Laci Varilek Sioux center, IA (5/1/2020)
Dan and Esther, our hearts are breaking for you at this sad time. We are sending prayers for comfort and peace. God bless you.
   ~ Lori Seager Philip (5/5/2020)
Dan, Ester and Family, my deepest sympathy for loss
   ~ Steve Kendall Rapid City (5/2/2020)
Dear Dan and Esther, my deepest sympathy to you and all of the family. My heart hurts for your loss. Many Blessings as you go through the next days.
   ~ Kay Foland Rapid City (5/1/2020)
Danny, Esther and family- I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. May God hold you close during this very difficult time and may you keep many happy memories in your heart. God bless.
   ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (4/30/2020)
Dan Ester & Family, So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. God Bless
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (5/1/2020)
Our condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
   ~ Steven And Glynda Wintrode Corpus Christi TX (5/3/2020)
Our thought and prayers are with all of you! The memories we have we will cherish. Rest in Peace, John.
   ~ Nathan & Brittney Drury Philip (5/1/2020)
Dan, Esther, Heath, Melanie, Valerie and family, Our hearts are heavy and the tears fell freely when we heard about John. He held a special place in our hearts for many years. Please know we are here and if you need to talk or just sit and have someone there, Call us. I have found when you start to wonder why, just think a good memory and hold that thought. We have asked that many times in the last 10 months, and the memories, family and other people to share them seem to be our answer. Hugs and Prayers are with you all.
   ~ Rose and Glen Bennett Philip, SD (5/4/2020)
Esther, Dan and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thought and prayers are with the family.
   ~ Kathy Arthur Philip SD (5/1/2020)
So sorry to hear about John, we are thinking of all you folks. Hold on to all the memories.
   ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip SD (5/1/2020)
Dan, Esther & family,
So many good memories of John and his courageous spirit! May your memories provide some comfort, and may he rest in eternal peace.
   ~ Val & Karl Schulz Philip, SD (5/7/2020)
Sorry to hear of John's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
   ~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD. (5/2/2020)
I will always remember his bright smile. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
   ~ Lydia Schulz Philip (5/1/2020)
Growing up together with our kids, John holds a special place in our hearts. So many memories were made. We share in your grief. So very sorry. Fly high with the angels, John.
   ~ Tena Slovek (5/1/2020)

Flowers

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All your Aunts and Uncles
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Class of 2001
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Silverleaf, PHS employees, and Board of Directors