William Henry Oerke

© The Kingfisher Free Press

Monday, November 15, 1943

Submitted by Jo Aguirre

William Henry Oerke, son of Frederick and Mary Oerke, was born September 16, 1869, near Johnstown, Pa., and died November 10 at St. Mary's hospital, Enid, at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 24 days.

His parents were early pioneers, settling in Sumner county, Kansas, on a farm northeast of Caldwell. When the Cherokee Strip opened on his twenty-fourth birthday anniversary, he made the run. He farmed his claim in the summer and attended Southwestern college in Winfield, Kans., during the winter terms.

On December 22, 1897, while still in school, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Long of Kingfisher.

Following his school preparation he was a member of the Oklahoma Methodist conference, serving four pastorates. Because of his wife's ill health, he gave up this ministerial work and after two years of residence at Caldwell, Kans., he moved to Wichita, Kans., where he was affitiated with the Young Men's Christian association until he moved back to Caldwell in 1926. Prior to his death he had been in ill health for five years.

On November 20, 27 years ago his wife passed away and was laid to rest in the Kingfisher cemetery.

He leaves two brothers, John Oerke of Caldwell and Charley Oerke of Beggs; one sister, Mrs. Rachel Brown, of Bristow; one son, Lloyd, of Caldwell; six grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.

Interment was made Saturday afternoon in Kingfisher cemetery, following a short service conducted by Rev. H.D. TOMLIN.