Richard Henry Oelschlager

Richard Henry Oelschlager, 39, passed away March 19, 2006, in Englewood, Colorado. Richard was born January 17, 1967, in Shiloh, Illinois to Toni Zehnle and Ralph Oelschlager. He is survived by his Father, Ralph Oelschlager and his step-mother, Penny Oelschalger; his Mother, Toni Hurt and his step- father, Alonzo Hurt; his sister, Tammy Irsik and her husband Allen Irsik; his brother, Ryan Oelschlager and his wife Kim Oelschlager; his aunts, Penny Preece and her husband Daryl Preece; and Lydia Monchak; his uncle, Dennis Zehnle and his wife Michelle Zehnle; also his nieces and a nephew, Zachary and Brittany Oelschlager, and Amanda Stevens; his cousins, Rocco and Riley Zehnle, and Jason, Alexia and Ross Preece; and his step brother and sister, William Lee Witcher, Jr. and Lisa Lee Witcher. He was also pre-deceased by his brother Randy Oelschlager. Prior to his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, Richard was an accomplished graphic artist and hair stylist. We'll never understand why Richard got MS. It makes no sense and it never will. But despite his unimaginable suffering over the years, he persevered. His spirit was always strong, his smile always bright and his will to survive always present. Through his strength of spirit, he deeply touched everyone who knew him. Richard was a very special person and he will be loved and missed deeply. As he would want it himself, the family asks that we not dwell on his ordeal, but rather, that we honor his spirit and be happy for Richard. For today he is dancing with God. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, from 4:00-6:00pm, followed by a Memorial service at 6:00pm, all at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3201 South Parker Rd., Aurora. Richard will be interred with his brother Randy at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Shiloh, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the National MS Society, Colorado Chapter, 700 Broadway, Suite 808, Denver, CO 80203, Attn: Memorial.