James Olendorf

James C. Olendorf, D.D.S., 91, died at 9:57 AM Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital, following a brief illness. Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 1, 2014, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with visitation from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Friday at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date in Somonauk Cemetery, Somonauk, IL. Memorials: Westminster Presbyterian Church. Dr. Olendorf was born on April 27, 1922, in Deerfield, Illinois, a son of Harry and Beatrice Carr Olendorf. He married Marilynn Copping on February 26,1944, in Evanston, Illinois. She died December 6, 2007. He attended Beloit College, where he belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He then transferred to Northwestern University Dental School, where he received his D.D.S. degree. He then served as a Captain and Dental Surgeon in the U.S. Army Air Corps with the Army of Occupation in Nuremberg, Germany, during the Nuremberg war trials. Following his discharge in October of 1947, he came to Decatur and began his almost 50 year dental practice. He retired on July 31, 1996. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church (Elder from 1958-2011), and also was active as an Illinois State Presbyter for the church. He was a member of Castle Williams Post #105, American Legion, the Country Club of Decatur, the Decatur Club, and S.C.O.R.E. He also had enjoyed being a "mentor" for students in the Decatur Public Schools, and additionally for foreign students who were attending Millikin University. He is survived by 4 children: Gayle (David) Beam, of Raleigh, NC.; Douglas (Susan) Olendorf, of Decatur; Lisa (David) Smith, of Cicero, IN; and Bret (Catherine) Olendorf, of Decatur. He also leaves 10 grandchildren: Allison (Tim) Weinzapfel, Joshua Schreiber, Rebekah Olendorf, Chelsea Greenwell, Samuel Olendorf, Rachel, Laura and Nicholas Olendorf, and Caroline and Steven Smith. He also leaves 9 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and paternal figure to many additional family members, well loved by his patients and friends, and a dedicated and respected member of the community. He will be missed by all. He was always a gentleman . The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Newlin, Dr. Patel, and St. Mary's Hospital, especially the nursing and ICU staff, for their care and concern for Dr. Olendorf during his illness. "
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