Dr. Jaryl Ollenburger, 81, died unexpectedly November 1, 2026, at his home. He was born in Perryton, TX to Ruben and LaVina June (Ediger) Ollenburger.
Jaryl graduated from Buhler High School in 1963. He attended Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS and graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR in 1970. He served as an optometrist in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972. Jaryl owned his own optometry practices in multiple states and towns. In 2000, he sold his Hesston practice to Grene Vision Group and continued to work there for another 24 years. Jaryl was a practicing optometrist from 1970 until his retirement on October 1, 2024, an amazing 54 years of service.
Jaryl also served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68. He enjoyed playing golf and Trivial Pursuit and was an honored founding member of the “West Shed Bourbon Club”. He loved music and sang baritone in the quartet, Exaltation. Jaryl attended CrossPoint Church, Hutchinson and instilled in his family the importance of a strong faith.
While attending Tabor College, Jaryl met the love of his life, Janice Elaine Kroeker. They were married December 28, 1965, in Shafter, CA.
Jaryl is survived by: his wife of almost 61 years, Janice E. “Jan” Ollenburger; son, Jeff Ollenburger (Kerrie), all of Hutchinson; daughter, Julie Schulz (Tim) of Fort Worth, TX; brother, Royce Ollenburger of Buhler; grandchildren, Katie Brown (Kobe) of Hutchinson, Lauren Gottschalk (Cannon) of Olathe; Brady Ollenburger of Hutchinson; and Colin Schulz of Fort Worth, TX; great-granddaughter, Sutton Brown of Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Jay Kroeker (Carol); sister-in-law, Debbie Kroeker; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Ruben and LaVina Ollenburger; sister, Charlene Lingo and brother-in-law, Lou Lingo; and brother-law, Dennis Kroeker.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at CrossPoint Church, 1410 E. 30th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Shaun Jones officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Kansas Army National Guard. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to CrossPoint Church (to support CrossPoint's Unleashed Campaign) or Tabor College Endowment Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.