Oliver F. "Ollie" Fay

Oliver F. "Ollie" Fay, age 90, of Applewood III, 3225 Pennsylvania Ave. and formerly of Asbury, Iowa, passed away at 8:55 a.m. on Monday, December 3, 2012, at The Finley Hospital. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Rev. Bill Joensen presiding. To celebrate Oliver's life friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., where there will be a parish wake service said at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Oliver was born on October 29, 1922, in Boone, IA, son of Oliver Harmon and Josephine (Barry) Fay.

Ollie was a 1940 graduate of St. John High School, in Independence, IA. He served in the US Army during World War II as a Radar Operator in New Guinea. Ollie married Marie D. Begley on June 22, 1946 at St. Patrick's in Dubuque. He was a clothes buyer for Black's in Waterloo and worked for Graham's Department Store in Waukon from 1953 until 1965. Oliver bought his own business in 1965, Bealmer's in West Union, IA. He owned D'Fays and Anderson's Dime Store also in West Union. Oliver was very creative and his store windows were a work of art. He sold the stores in 1985. He worked as an insurance auditor for many years, which allowed him to travel the back roads of Northeast Iowa. He lastly worked in the maintenance department for Dubuque Housing Initiative until he was well into his 80's. He enjoyed his woodworking shop and listening to classical music. Oliver was an avid reader who never stopped learning and was a self taught Graphologist. He enjoyed writing poetry. Oliver was a very spiritual man. He had a true passion for the outdoors and was well aware of the beauty of nature. He was an avid gardener and liked to share his bounty. Ollie was often referred to as "the best of Neighbors" and will be missed by many.

Oliver is survived by,

his wife, Marie D. Fay, Dubuque, IA,

his children and their families,
Dianne (Ben) Andersen, East Dubuque, IL, and children, Mark, Mike, Liz,
Dennis (Sherry) Fay, Amhurst, WI, and children, Dan and Erin,
Debbie (Bill Christiansen) Fay, Mesa, AZ, and children, Joel, Steven, Stacy, Katie,
Doug (Dana) Fay, Overland Park, KS, and children, Phillip, Ilana, Nathan,
Doreen (Tom) Weston, Cambridge, IL, and children, Heather and Kiah,
Donna (Dan) Walling, Dubuque, IA, and children, Danielle, Nick, and Austin

14 great-grandchildren

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Daniel Patrick in infancy, 1 sister, Zora, 2 brothers, Robert and Richard.

In lieu of flowers an Oliver F. Fay Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Whalen and Dr. Ridgley and their staff especially Lisa and Sarah, and to the angels on 4th floor at Finley Hospital.