Obituaries - Wickenburg O

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, October 31, 1947
MANY MOURN MRS. O’BRIEN
Widely Known Former Resident Is Summoned
Her many friend here are mourning the death of Mrs. MARY P. O'BRIEN widow of the late F.X. O'BRIEN, a pioneer resident of Arizona and long active and dominant figure in the life of this community, who passed away Wednesday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Adelaide M. McDONALD in Phoenix. She was 75 years old and had been in ill health for the past year. Following the death of her husband in 1926, Mrs. O’Brien continued for many years to operate the famous Bar FX ranch here, now as the FK Bar, as well as their extensive mining properties in this section of the state. She gave five acres of land for the site of the Wickenburg High school and aided in the development of St. Anthony’s church. Mrs. O’Brien was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. T. HUTCHINSON who came to Arizona from Nevada in the late 70’s. Because of the danger from Apaches, she and three other children did not move to Arizona until Mrs. O’Brien was 10 years old. Surviving are two sons. Anthony of Wickenburg and Lawrence X of Tucson; the daughter, Mrs. McDONALD and three sisters, Mrs. Genevieve MURPHY of Glendale, Mrs. Angela HAMMER of Phoenix and Mrs. Adelaide M. TWEED of Tucson. Funeral services had not been arranged as the SUN went to press.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 14, 2004, B10
JERRY L. ODELL, 70, passed away on April 6, 2004 at his home in Wickenburg. Jerry was born in Sedalia, Missouri, on August 25, 1933. He was an Army veteran and owned a sanitation rental company. He is survived by his mother Helen Odell, Wickenburg; daughter Jennifer Richie, Kansas City, Mo.; two brothers Jimmy Odell, Wickenburg and Dennis Odell, Madison, Tenn.; three grandchildren. Services and interment will take place in Clinton, Missouri. Arrangements by Wickenburg Funeral Home.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 9, 1954
HUNDREDS PRESENT AT FUNERAL RITES FOR MICHEL OHACO
Sheep and cattle men and many others from throughout the state gathered at St. Francis Xavier church in Phoenix Tuesday of this week to pay their last respects to MICHEL OHACO of Wickenburg, whose sudden death last Friday afternoon in community Hospital here shocked and saddened this community. Mr. Ohaco collapsed while climbing into his pick-up truck in the yard of his home. He was carried to the nearby hospital where he lived only a short time. Baptized Michel in the little French town of Aldudes, where he was born March 7, 1883, Mr. Ohaco was affectionately known as “Mike” by his host of friends in Wickenburg and in Arizona. He came to America and to Arizona when 16 years of age and in this state became one of the largest holders of sheep with ranches in the Wickenburg, Winslow and flagstaff areas.
Changed to Cattle
He changed from raising sheep to the cattle business following World War II when his son, Captain Michel OHACO, Jr. returned from the service and recovered from several serious wounds received in action. The father and son became associated in the cattle business at Winslow and west of here. Mr. Ohaco was a member of the Arizona Wool Growers Association since 1908 and served for many years as a director of that organization. The high esteem in which he was held here likewise prevailed throughout Arizona.
The survivors
The pioneer rancher is survived by his wife, Louise; his son, of Winslow; and three daughters, Mrs. Jack ANDERSON, Phoenix; Mrs. C.R. McNALLY of Roswell, N. M., and Miss Dollie OHACO of Beverly Hills, California and eight grandchildren. Rev. D. F. O’SULLIVAN of St. Anthony’s church here conducted the requiem high mass in St, Francis Xavier Church. Burial was in St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, June 13, 2001 p. A16
MICHEL "MIKE" JOSEPH O'HACO died June 3 in Winslow, while working on his Chevelon Butte Ranch. He was 81. Mr. O'Haco was born March 1, 1920 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II with the 45th Infantry Division. Among his decorations was the Silver Star. Mr. O'Haco was a 1938 graduate of Wickenburg High School, where he was a standout athlete and student, lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track. At the University of Arizona, which he graduated from in 1942, he played football and basketball. Survivors include his wife, Teresa O'Haco; daughters Kathleen O'Haco, Karen O'Haco, Tess O'Haco Densmore and husband Cody, and Kim O'Haco McReynolds and husband Troy; sons Michel O'Haco, Jr. and wife Linda, Jim O'Haco and wife Jeanne, Dan O'Haco, and Jeff O'Haco and wife Jay; sisters Vi Anderson and Dolly Pafford; nine grandchildren, Jessica O'Haco, Mica O'Haco, Mariah O'Haco, Steven Miller, Katie Miller, Amanda Chandler, Jot Cake, Michael Joseph Densmore and Alexandra O'Haco; one great-granddaughter, Alicia O'Haco-Vigil; cousins, Yvonne Espil and Dodie Prouty; and many other cousins.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Jan 15, 1997
GEORGE D. OLOFF, SR. of Circle City died Jan. 16 in Phoenix. He was 77. Mr. Oloff was born Feb. 22, 1919 in Persia, Iowa, to Henry and Minnie Oloff. He had lived in Arizona for the past 45 years. Mr. Oloff was the youngest of nine children. He attended country school and high school at Logan, Iowa. He played saxaphone in the school band and graduated in 1936. During World War ll, Mr.Oloff was in the Army Air Corps (Air Force). He was trained for gunnery and bombardiering in the B-17 and other aircraft. While stationed at Luke and Williams Air Force Bases in Arizona, Mr. Oloff met Annie Walker, who became his wife at Williams Field on Sept. 22, 1945. After the war, George and Annie moved back to Persia, Iowa, where they farmed until 1960. Then they returned to Arizona and bought a bar and restaurant. In later years, George was a very successful businessman in the community, where he lived. He even sold real estate. Mr.Oloff semi-retired in the 1970s. He then was able to spend time doing the things he loved, such as hunting, "fishing and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Mr.Oloff also worked for some of the American Legions in the area until bad health forced him to become an inactive member. At the time of his death, he was a member of Post 29 in Glendale, Ariz. Mr.Oloff really enjoyed helping others. Most of his friends remember him for his good works and sense of humor. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Annie, of Circle City; sons George of Wittman, Jerry of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Larry of Wittmann; brother Vern of Persia, Iowa; and eight grandchildren. Mr.Oloff was preceded in death by his daughter Marilee in 1993; brothers Harry and Carl, both in infancy, and brother Bill; and sisters Olga Kiesel of Shelby, Anna Thoms of Persia, Emma Oloff of Persia and Edna Whitmore of Woodbine. Funeral services were held Monday , Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Wickenburg Funeral Home, with visitation conducted Sunday, Jan. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Ed Wessiing officiated the ceremonies. Burial was conducted at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. Brown's Wickenburg Funeral Home Inc, handled all the arrangements.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Jan 22, 1997
GEORGE D. OLOFF, SR.
GEORGE D. OLOFF, SR. of Circle City, died Jan 16 in Phoenix. He was 77. Mr. Oloff was born Feb. 22, 1919 in Persia, Iowa. He had lived in Arizona for the last 45 years. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Annie, of Circle City; three sons, George of Wittmann, Jerry of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Larry of Wittmann; brother Vern of Persia, Iowa; and eight grandchildren. Mr. Oloff was preceded in death by his daughter, Marilee in 1993, brothers Harry and Carl, both in infancy, and brother , Bill; and sisters Olga KIESEL, Anna THOMS, Emma OLOFF and Edna WHITMORE. Services have been held.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, March 21, 2001, p. A20
CINDY OPLINGER of Morristown, died March 16. She was 47. Mrs. Oplinger was born Feb. 13, 1854 in Grafton, N. D. She was a lab technician at Glendale Community College. Survivors include her husband, John Oplinger of Morristown; mother Evelyn Osowski of Grafton, N. D.; sister Deborah McGlynn of Grand Junction, Colo.; brother Orrin Osowki of Oslo, Minn.: and sisters Colleen Gay of Lincoln, Neb., and Twyla Stenvold of Grand Forks, N. D. Services are scheduled for 11 a. m. Wednesday, March 21 at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg AZ, Dec 21, 1951
Services for FERNANDO OROSCO will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday in St. Anthony's church. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. D. F. O'Sullivan in St. Anthony's Catholic Church at 2 o'clock tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon for FERNANDO A. OROSCO, Sr., who passed away early Thursday morning at his home here. He had been ill for several years of silicosis as the result of a lifetime spent in mining. Mr. Orosco was born May 7, 1898, in Signal, Ariz. He came to Wickenburg when 7 years old and lived here continually since that time. Surviving are two sons, Coney Orosco of Wickenburg and Fernando Orosco, Jr., of Los Angeles; one daughter, Mrs. Bill V. Garcia of Wickenburg; one brother, Alfredo Orosco of Los Angeles; and six grandchildren. Mrs. Orosco died in 1926. The wake will be held at the home of Bill Garcia at 7 o'clock tonight (Friday). Burial will be in the Garcia Cemetery.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Jan. 3, 2001, p. A13
DANIEL VALENTINE ORTEGA, 67, of Wickenburg, died on Nov. 19. He was born Feb. 13, 1933 in the Wickenburg Hospital. His parents were the late Ben Lucero and Eva Ocampo Ortega, Wickenburg pioneers. He is survived by his sons, Bernard Eugene and Daniel; his daughters, Jo Frances and Ruth Ann; and grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Felix Beraldo of Palmdale, Calif.; sisters Irene Ortega Hershkowitz of Phoenix and Maria Ortega DeHart of Glendale; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Christian services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. Fr. John Vogt, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, will officiate. The U.S. Navy will furnish an honor guard. Following burial, the local VFW chapter will host a reception for family and friends at the American Legion Hall. Frey Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 27, 2005, p. B9
Dr. GERHARDT LeROY ORTGIESEN was born to George Ortgiesen and Jennie (Harms) Ortgiesen on May 24, 1913. He departed this life April 19, 2005. LeRoy, as he was affectionately known, held a Bachelor of Science degree from Midland College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He married Muriel G. Colton on August 18, 1939 and moved to Culbertson, Neb., where he was employed as Principal of the Culbertson Schools and remained until 1946. He was elected to the Nebraska State Board of Education as an Assistant Commissioner of Education. As commissioner he was sent to Japan, Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines to do accreditation for US military schools. He also published several articles for the Nebraska school systems including "Driver's Ed and Traffic Safety," "Your School Bus Program," and the "Handbook on Teacher Certification in Nebraska." The legacy Dr. Ortgiesen left the State of Nebraska in the education field has been and will continue to be acknowledged for years to come. LeRoy retired in 1978. He and Muriel traveled in their RV to areas in the U.S. and Canada before deciding to make their home in Wickenburg, Ariz. In Wickenburg, they found good golf, great climate and many old and new friends. LeRoy was a kind and loving son, brother, husband, in-law and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lavern. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Muriel; sister-in-law Frances Miller; nieces Mona Garrelts (Delmar); JoAnn Aldermann (Robert); Gayla Hunt (Eugene) and nephew Eugene (Jeanne) and their families. Memorial services have been held. Memorials may be sent to the organization of your choice.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, December 4, 1953
ILL FOR A YEAR, MRS. OUTLAND DIES
Funeral arrangements are pending for Mrs. FLORENCE IRENE OUTLAND, wife of Irell Keith OUTLAND, who passed away at her home on North Lincoln Street at 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, December 1. Mrs. Outland had been in failing health for the past year. She had been a resident here since November 1945. Besides the husband, she is survived by two sons, Byron K., with the Air Force at Enid Okla., and Robert W., of Norwalk, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Connie LEEDHAM of Williams, Arizona, and Sandra Sue, age 8½ years, of Wickenburg. She leaves two brothers, Tom THOMPSON of Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Paul R. THOMPSON of Zanesville, Ohio; four grandchildren.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Nov 24, 1961
Mrs. Sullivan’s Father Died in Phoenix Friday
Funeral services for ARTHUR F. OVERCASH, 70, of Phoenix, father of Mrs. O. A. Sullivan of Wickenburg, were held Monday in Phoenix with burial in Resthaven Park, Glendale. Mr. Overcash died Friday of last week. He was a native of Texas and a retired Carpenter.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Mar 23, 1956, p. 5
Funeral March 15 For JOHN OVERLAN
The local American Legion post conducted military funeral services here at 8 o'clock last Thursday morning for John H. Overlan, who passed away the previous Tuesday at the Whipple veterans hospital, Prescott. Mr. Overlan, more familiarly known as "Captain John," had been a patient in the hospital for six months. The funeral services were held at St. Anthony's Church with burial in the Wickenburg cemetery. A resident of Wickenburg for the past 32 years, Mr. Overlan was widely known here. Born in Boston, Mass., June 19, 1882, he was a marine engineer before coming to Arizona. He and Mrs. Overlan owned property just off the Phoenix highway a few miles southeast of town. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War I. The surviving widow, Mrs. Vivian OVERLAN moved to Prescott when her husband entered the hospital there.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, May 15, 1996
ERNEST L. OVEROCKER of Wickenburg, died May 6 in Wickenburg. He was 85. Mr. Overocker was born Aug. 1, 1910 in Milford, Iowa. He had lived in Arizona for 47 years, coming from Iowa. Mr. Overocker is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary, of Wickenburg; daughter and son-in-law Ellen and Edward Lee MURDOCK of Wickenburg and daughter and son-in-law Doris and Jim GOTSCH of Cody, Wyoming; sister Helen HOLLISTER of Fort Dodge, Iowa; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Milford Cemetery in Milford, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to United Parkinson Foundation, 833 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, Ill. 60607. All arrangements were handled by Frey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 11, 2001 A18
MARY McKIM OVEROCKER of Wickenburg, died April 5 in Wickenburg. She was 88. Mrs. Overocker was born June 4, 1912 in Plover, Iowa. She had lived in Arizona for the past 52 years. Survivors include her daughters, Ellen Murdock and husband Lee Murdock of Wickenburg, and Doris Gotsch and husband James Gotsch of Wyoming; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest L. Overocker. There will be a memorial open house service for Mrs. Overocker on Friday, April 27 from 1-3 p.m. at the Murdock home, 705 S. Yucca Dr., in Wickenburg.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 19, 1957, p. 1
Rites Wednesday For ROXIE OWEN
Rev. Bill BARKER, pastor of the Baptist Church, conducted funeral services in Wickenburg Chapel Wednesday afternoon for MRS. ROXIE L. OWEN, Morristown resident, who died Saturday in a Phoenix hospital. Burial was in Wickenburg Cemetery. Mrs. Owen was born March 3, 1883, in Texas. She had lived in Arizona for 46 years and in Morristown for the past 12 years. Surviving are the husband, T. M. OWEN of Morristown, and a step-son, John OWEN of Washington, D. C.

Compiled and contributed by Nicole, Maurine, Maxine, and Sharon