John Frank Olenick, 79, of Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Klein Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
John was born March 19, 1946 in Somerville, New Jersey, the son of Anthony and Florence (Caprio) Olenick. On June 24, 1968 he married Susan Ellen “Sue” Olenick in Three Bridges, New Jersey. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2025.
John spent his early years on the East Coast and graduated from Hunterdon High School in Flemington, New Jersey. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1966, he was deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam, where he served as a Jet Engine Mechanic, assisted with aircraft bombing missions, and assisted at Khe Sahn when the base came under siege. His dedication and bravery earned him numerous commendations.
Following his military service, he worked for RCA in New Jersey before transitioning to drive a truck for 11 years. In 1977, he relocated to Dallas City and began working for BNSF Rairoad. He remained with the railroad until his retirement.
In retirement, John stayed active and creative. He crafted beautiful jewelry for his family and friends, received his Third-Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and his First-Degree Black Belt in Bushido Kan Ki Jitsu, traveled the United Stated by Gold Wing Motorcycle and in recent years, enjoyed camping in his fifth wheel camper. He was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
Survivors include three daughters: Renee and Curtis Faul of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Chandra Sue Olenick of Dallas City and Cheryl and Dillon Yaley of Quincy, Illinois, grandchildren: Nichole and Hunter Faul of Mt. Pleasant, Gavin Muller of Dallas City and Gabriel and Isaac Yaley of Quincy; great-grandchildren: Elliot Muller of Dallas City, Oakley Faul of Keokuk and RaeLynn Faul of Mt. Pleasant; one sister Rose Marie (Hank) Geisenhoner of New Hope, Pennsylvania; one sister-in-law: Patricia Olenick of White House Station, New Jersey and his trusted service dog of 8 years: Treat.
Besides his wife, John was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Mary Ann Szwed and one brother: Anthony Olenick.
The funeral service for Mr. Olenick will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, with Pastor Roger Welty officiating. Military Rites will follow at the funeral home.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Cremation will be accorded following services. Burial will be at a later date at the Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, Iowa.
A memorial fund has been established for the Great River Honor Flight or Canine Companions.