Paul Basil Olinger

Paul (Basil) was born in Minneapolis, attended grade school in Park Ridge IL, Jr. High School in Watertown, NY, and high school in Columbia Heights. He completed his bachelor degree in Psychology at the University of MN.  From 1966-1969 he taught middle school at the Lakeville Community Schools in Michigan.  During the summer of 1967 Mary & Paul were married.  In 1970 he completed his Masters Degree in Educational Psychology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI.  From 1970-1972 he attended the University of MN in an advanced degree program in Educational Administration.  During this time he also worked as a teaching assistant at the University and as an evaluation consultant with North Central Accrediting at the MN Dept of Education.  Over the next 29 years he held principalships in Milaca, Raymond, Osakis, and Alexandria. 

After retirement, he was able to spend many hours studying, observing, and interacting with the natural world.  He did volunteer work for the DNR, Audubon Society, State Parks, Fish & Wildlife Service, and others.  His interests included bird watching, gardening, astronomy, prairie restoration, and many outdoor activities with a special passion for cross country skiing.

He is survived by his best friend, companion and wife Mary (Bjorke), daughter Amy Olinger (Stacy Froemming) of Alexandria, MN, and son Brandon Olinger (Alexis Craig) of Placerville, CA, beloved nieces, nephews and their families.  He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Ida (Evers), and sisters Karen Fisher and Janet Podrebarac.

“May secular enlightenment dawn on humankind and

may there be land, air, and water for all of Earth’s creatures to thrive.”

A Private Family Service will be at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Paul’s memory to:

Glendalough Park Partners

https://www.morethanatrail.com/getting-involved/

MN Conservation Volunteer

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/legacy-gifts/index.html

National Audubon Society

https://www.audubon.org/