Allen B. Olkives

Allen B. Olkives, 89, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, under the care of Joseph’s Hospice, at the WI Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls.

On December 3, 1934, Allen was born to Joseph and Iva (Rice) Olkives and raised in the Gleason/Merrill area of Wisconsin. He started on his own as a farmhand at the age of 14. By the age of 18 he completed his GED and signed up as a Jet Engine Mechanic in the US Air Force. While stationed in Florida he met his wife Carolyn and spent many years traveling together with their 3 children to various Air Force bases where he was stationed.

In addition to serving in the Vietnam War (deployed twice), he was stationed in Eau Claire, WI as an Air Force recruiter. After serving over 20 years in the military, he continued to work for the City of Eau Claire Bus Company. Finally, after many years, he “retired”; although, he continued to keep busy. Throughout the years, he enjoyed volunteering for many organizations including the VFW, American Legion, churches, volunteer fire department, helping veterans, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts. Family and friends will remember his smile, his sense of humor, and willingness to always lend a helping hand where needed. As well as his good home cooking. Allen will also be remembered for his honesty, integrity, humbleness, friendly nature, and hard work ethic.

Allen is survived by his current wife, Shirley; children, Michael Olkives; Sharon (Robert) Greene; Lyle Olkives; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Arnold “Arnie” (Betty) Olkives; sister-in-law, Isabel Olkives; along with multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn; brother, Neal Olkives; and daughters-in-law, Lynn Olkives and Christine Olkives.

The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls.

The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. The interment will be in the Northern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Rural Spooner with Military Honors Conducted by the local Patriotic Council.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.