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1926

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2019

Harry Oldenburger Obituary


HARRY OLDENBURGER
June 6, 1926 ˜ January 2, 2019

Harry Oldenburger, 92, went on to be with the Lord in the early morning of January 2, 2019, passing peacefully in his sleep at Glenwood Place in Vancouver, WA. He was born June 6, 1926 near Manhattan, MT to Onnie and Tracy (Leep) Oldenburger. He accepted the Lord at the age of ten, and three years later dedicated his life for full-time Christian service.
Harry served in the 8th Army in Japan after the end of World War II, where he became a chaplain’s assistant. Sensing a call on his life to be a missionary to Japan, he studied Japanese at Seattle Pacific College. He also enrolled in a grad course at Multnomah School of the Bible where he met Elizabeth Benston and married her in 1954. Though they were accepted as missionaries to Japan by the Far Eastern Gospel Crusade, Harry ended up not passing the strict medical exam, so he served as office manager in the mission headquarters for some years. They adopted two children from Korea, a daughter, Joy (Oldenburger) Metcalf and a son, Tad Oldenburger.
Harry earned his teaching credentials and a Master of Education degree at Central Washington State College and taught Language Arts at two Seattle area high schools for many years. During those years he had the remarkable opportunity to teach the Bible as Literature in public schools. Harry was the founding pastor of Praise the Lord Fellowship (now Rainier Hills Christian Fellowship) in Buckley, WA, where he served for close to 20 years. He has always been known and loved for his amazing capacity and ability in relating to people so that they feel unconditionally loved and accepted. This enabled him to serve as a spiritual parent to countless people whether neighbors, students, parishioners, and ministers.
Harry retired and resided in Vancouver, WA since 1998, where he was active ministering to pastors, cross-cultural workers, and lay people all over the world via the internet, encouraging, comforting and exhorting them with scripture and prayer. In addition he ministered at retirement homes and senior retreats as well as among a Christian veterans group of which he served as president for many years.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Oldenburger; a daughter, Joy (Oldenburger) Metcalf of Keizer, OR; a son, Tad Oldenburger (spouse Pitsamai) of Dallas, TX; a brother, Andrew Oldenburger (spouse Joan) of Manhattan, MT; a sister, Evelyn (Oldenburger) Acton (spouse Dr. Loren W.) of Bozeman, MT; and 5 loving grandchildren, Elaine Lazzeri (spouse Drew) of Portland, OR, Eric Metcalf (spouse Emily) of Beaverton, OR, Ben Metcalf (spouse Lani) of Los Angeles, CA, Mark Oldenburger of Bangkok, Thailand and Andy Oldenburger of Bangkok, Thailand.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth (Oldenburger) Bechtel; and a son-in-law, Loren Metcalf.
A Celebration of Life with military honors and reception following will be at City Harvest Church, 8100 NW 9th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98665 at 7:00 p.m., Tues., Jan.15, 2019. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Jan. 11, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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A great friend in their younger days to my Dad Ralph Dyk. He wrote the nicest letter to us when dad passed away in 2000, which was read at his funeral. Prayers for the family

Cherryl Makatura

January 23, 2019

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

January 18, 2019

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. We were so blessed to be able to hear all the stories of Harry and his walk with the Lord. His memorial was full of Jesus love.

Walter Cowart

January 15, 2019

We send our love and prayers to Elizabeth, Tad, Pitsami and the grandchildren. We regret that we cannot attend Harrys service. We have so many fond memories of the time we had with all of you, and though we are saddened by his passing, we also rejoice along with you that he is fellowshipping with our Savior and all those who have gone before us. God bless you in the days ahead as you carry on. Sincerely, Tim and Anne Personius

Tim and Anne Personius

Friend

January 14, 2019

When I saw this in today's paper, I wondered if it was the same Harry Oldenburger that I had at Highline HS in the early 70's. This was confirmed when I saw he taught Bible as Literature, a class I took from him. We would get extra credit for bringing in bible based cartoons/comics that he would post on the bulletin board. I can honestly say that Mr. O was one of my favorite teaches in HS and well liked by the students. I only wish I had known he lived here in Vancouver as I would have liked to stop by and see him. I'm sorry for your loss but please be comforted in knowing Mr. O was a wonderful teacher and friend to me in HS.

Scott Beckstrom

January 13, 2019

Harry was an uncanny encourager!! He would send scriptures and notes that spoke right to the heart of what was going on more than once. He lit up the room with his smile and unconditional and embracing love. He gave copious amounts of love and encouragement right up until the end. He will be missed!! BUT I'm sure he's enjoying a fine party with many friends up there with Jesus right now!

Shanda Harris

January 11, 2019

You will be missed.

January 11, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Jan

15

Celebration of Life

7:00 p.m.

City Harvest Church

8100 NW 9th Ave., Vancouver, WA

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