Jennifer Marie (Chadima) Olinger
Jennifer Marie (Chadima) Olinger, 43, of 932 Norwood Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, left her life on earth to be with God and her Dad in Heaven. She bravely and without complaint or questions of “why?” lived with cancer and left all of us quietly on July 9, 2010. Every one of her days she loved and was loved by all of us. At her time of transition from here to Heaven, she was with her beloved mother, Margaret; her beloved husband, Peter; and dear friend, Julie.
Jennie had two great love stories in her life. The first began when she was born on Nov. 7, 1966, and at the age of 4 months, she was lovingly adopted into the welcoming arms of Margaret Marie and Don Frank Chadima. Her Grandma Viktor said that Jennie was the best thing that ever happened to them.
Jennie and her mom shared a lifetime of wonderful times; sharing a home, traveling, shopping, enjoying the birds in the backyard, a shared sense of humor and in the later part of Jennie’s life – sweet, quiet times filled with words and expressions that only happen within the love story of a mother and daughter. Jennie’s dad, Don, spent their time together playing games, laughing, and going fishing. Jennie especially enjoyed it when she “out-fished” her dad.
Jennie was a graduate of Washington High School. She married Danny Berry, but they later divorced. Then began Jennie’s second love story. God definitely planned the meeting of Jennie and the love of her life, Peter Olinger. They met at a dance and married soon after, on Jan. 6, 2005. They were a perfect couple; so loving, honest, and dedicated to each other. Always together, they enjoyed traveling, going to restaurants, dancing to the band Silverwood, listening to Mike and Normandy’s Karaoke, going out with Julie, loving animals and endless joking and laughter. They truly were one.
They renewed their wedding vows on Aug. 15, 2009. Jennie told Julie that if something were to happen to her, Peter would have that beautiful wedding day to keep in his heart forever.
Her beloved Peter took such loving care of her when she became ill, always concerned for her comfort and making sure she was not in pain. Her mother; her eternal friend, Julie; longtime friend, Tracy; and the wonderful people of hospice all helped care for Jennie until God came to take her “home to Heaven.” She was tucked in warmly, hugged, kissed, cuddled, and told she was loved to the very end. Jennie was a loving daughter, wife, and friend.
Sadly, but only until we are all reunited in heaven someday, she leaves behind her treasured and beloved husband, Peter Jay Olinger; her loving mother, Margaret Marie (Viktor) Chadima; her aunt and godmother, Barbara Schmitz; her dedicated and loving friends, Julie Earsa-Klein, Tracy Langhurst, Joann Magpuri, Dixie, Mary and John Earsa, and Rochelle. Also surviving are her father- and mother-in-law, Ted and Doris Olinger; sisters-in-law, Becky Olson and Anita (Jim) Thompson; her brother-in-law, Steve Olinger; and nephews, Trent and Tyler. Also missing Jennie are her two pet cats, Sneezie and Fluffy. She is also survived by a special aunt, Janelle; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends whom she chose. She would be anyone’s friend.
Preceding Jennie in death and waiting in heaven to greet her are her father, Don Frank Chadima, who died in March 2010; and her grandparents, Caroline and Viktor and Frank and Anna Chadima; uncles, Paul and Joseph Viktor; and brother-in-law, Kent Olson.
Jennie is now in the most beautiful place we could imagine, in Heaven with her Lord and Savior.
Jennie, we have all promised you our eternal love and will keep our promise to watch over each always. You will be missed beyond words.