Obituary of Walter E. Oelschlager

Walter E. Oelschlager, 76, a 21-year Delhi resident, passed away peacefully, Saturday evening, Oct 12, 2013, at the home of his daughter, Karen LaFever, after a short illness. He was born Nov 29, 1936 in Long Island City, Queens, the son of Louis D. and Frances (Kueffner) Oelschlager, and married Grace M. Dinga, March 18, 1961 in West Islip. While on Long Island, Walter served eight years in the Coast Guard Reserve; was an active member En-Juns Car Club, building car and boat engines, and a mentor to his younger brother, Roy; worked as a surveyor; and was a postal carrier in Babylon. Taxidermy was a hobby that turned into a full-time career in 1974, and kept him busy until earlier this year. During the '70's and '80's, he was an active member and president of both K-Dents Gun Club and All Shore Waterfowlers on Long Island, and current president of Hamden Fish & Game Club, here in Delaware County. Walter enjoyed hunting, fishing and time spent with family and friends at his hunting camp in Russell, St. Lawrence County, a special place for him, which was in his family 50 years. "Walt" moved to Delhi, from North Babylon, in 1992, to be closer to his daughter and son-in-law, working at the Delhi College Golf Course for 10 years, retiring in 2003, but spent many winters and springs helping his son-in-law, Duane, and friend, Tom Kaufman, with their maple syrup business. Surviving are two daughters, Karen (Duane) LaFever, and Lisa (William) Kulaski; three grandsons, Cody and Cullen LaFever, and William Kulaski, IV, all of Delhi; a brother, Roy Oelschlager, of Virginia; several nieces and nephews, including Louis Oelschlager, Jr, of Russell, Michael Pinckney and his sons Jonathan and James, of Canton. In addition to his wife, who died April 22, 2007, he was pre-deceased by a sister, Janet Pinckney and brother, Louis A. Oelschlager. Visitation was Oct 16, and funeral services Oct 17, at the Hall & Peet Funeral Home, Delhi, with the Rev. Sarah Hooker, and burial followed in Woodland Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Catskill Area Hospice will be appreciated.