Irene Klein Oelschlager

Irene (Renie) K. Oelschlager, 85, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2017 in Melbourne, FL. Irene is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Frank E. Oelschlager, her children Eric Oelschlager, April Drucker, and son-in-law, Richard Drucker. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, an extensive family of in-laws, and many dear friends. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Florence Klein, and her siblings, David Gallagher and Laura Rohm. Irene Loretta Klein was born on February 27, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Oliver High School in 1950, and worked as a telephone switchboard operator at Reed Smith Law firm in Pittsburgh for the following 8 years. In 1954 Irene met the love of her life through a bowling league. She and Frank began dating soon after and were married on May 11, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeville, PA. In 1958 she became a full-time homemaker once April was born. Her family was complete in 1963 with the birth of Eric, at which time they moved into their new home in Coraopolis, PA. Upon Frank’s retirement in 1985 she and Frank relocated to Melbourne, FL where they became active members of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and volunteers with the Telephone Pioneers of America. Up until a devastating stroke in January 2014, Irene was physically fit and full of vim and vigor. She was a voracious reader, an avid football fan, and passionate about wolf conservation. She loved mornings, music, singing, going to church, walking, driving, dining out, and traveling. Most of all, Irene loved God and she loved people. Even after her stroke Irene retained her sense of humor and the ability to make new friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Consulate Healthcare of Melbourne and Wuesthoff Hospice for their compassionate care for Irene. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith “Viera” Lutheran Church in Viera, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the National Stroke Foundation or Faith “Viera” Lutheran Church.