Edward "Eddie" B. Oelklaus

Edward B. Oelklaus, beloved father, brother, and grandfather, reunited with Judy, his dear departed wife of over 63 years, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the age of 85. To all that knew “Buddy,” or “Eddie-O,” he was a one-of-a-kind character who was a friend to all and a stranger to none.

A life-long resident of St. Charles, Mo., he was born in 1941, as a cherished son of the late Edward F. and Dorothy Oelklaus. Born two blocks from St. Peter Catholic Church, his faith would remain a firm foundation throughout his life, as he attended St. Peter School and Duchesne High School, graduating in 1958.

In 1961, Edward married the love of his life, Judy (nee Irwin), and over sixty years of marriage, they shared endless affection and laughter as they traveled the decades together, especially to their favorite retreat – Maui, Hawaii. In 2011, they eagerly renewed their marriage vows on their 50th anniversary at the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina, Hawaii.

A man of faith, family, and service, he dedicated his life to the firefighting profession he loved, serving with the St. Charles Fire Department for 32 years. In 1969, he was promoted to Captain and in 1972, Assistant Chief in charge of day-to-day operations. He attended courses at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md., and was a charter member of IAFF Local 757. On his retirement in 1996, he told the St. Charles Journal that he was most proud of keeping firefighters safe. Even on vacations, he made time to stop at the local fire department, talk shop, and begin a collection of over 300 patches from departments around the country.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served behind the Iron Curtain in Berlin, Germany, as a tanker with the 40th Armor, Berlin Brigade, from 1967-1968. He trained in three combat arms, became an E-6 Staff Sergeant, and made enduring friendships. He traveled to tanker reunions to stay in touch with buddies across the country and often recalled their stories of camaraderie. He was immensely proud of his service and those he served with and was a life-long member of VFW Post 2688. In 2022, he was thrilled to be honored on the 99th Greater St. Louis Honor Flight and was joined by his grandson as they visited war memorials across Washington DC.

A past president of the St. Charles Pikers Hunting and Fishing Club, his wit, unique outlook on the world, and varied interests – avid reader, history buff, traveler, St. Louis Cardinals fan, and daily couch Jeopardy contestant – made him a congenial personality who could make anyone smile.

Eddie was the devoted father of Janet (Robert) Oelklaus; adoring grandfather of August (Bridget) Truesdale; dear brother of Alicia (the late Arthur) Bange; the late Richard Oelklaus; the late Thomas A. Oelklaus; the late Margaret Ann “Peggy” Betsinger; and precious uncle to nieces and nephews; and loving relative to many cousins.

He treasured his family, friends, and enduring fellowship of firefighters, veterans, and parishioners, who will all dearly miss his indomitable spirit, curious mind, and unmistakable humor.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at Baue Funeral Home, 620 Jefferson St. in St. Charles.

Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at St. Peter Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Peter Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Eddie’s name to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, The BackStoppers, Maui Strong, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memorials may be made in Eddie’s name to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, The Backstoppers, Maui Strong or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.