RAPID CITY | Harold Olinger passed away Thursday, March 18, 2015, at Golden Living Center in Rapid City where he was a resident his remaining years on Earth. Harold was born to John and Ellen Olinger in rural Salem, SD, in 1925. He was one of seven boys and had only one sister. The children all grew up on the farm and attended a country school. Harold left the farm to fight in both WWII and the Korean War. Family reports, "he came home quiet from the war." Those of us who knew him in his later years only knew him as quiet. Harold had two generations of children, and will be remembered by all. Harold was also a loyal member of the American Legion from the Korean War until 2011, when he could no longer remember things he once could. Harold had a career as a certified mechanic working for Johnson & McKie, then McKie Ford when they split and remained employed until his retirement at age 65. It was then Harold took it upon himself to start a cleaning business, where we cleaned medical offices and a bar. He had that famous work ethic that came from the Great Depression and he was able to pass it on to many young people. In between having a career. Harold provided a good home to his wife, Krystal Olinger for 35 years, as well as the multitudes of foster children they took in over two decades. In his late 50s, Harold became a father to a lifelong foster child from birth, Tina Runs Above. She was the light of his life at that time. Harold also built special bonds with much of his non-traditional family of step, foster and adoptive children. Kenny Gear, Joshua Gear, Jessica Sullivan, Coty Whaley, and Christina Olinger all had a special relationship with Harold. Harold will be remembered fondly by his family and his buddies from the local safety meetings he attended for decades. Cheers! Harold's work ethic and gentle heart will never be forgotten. We love you Harold. Harold is survived by his three children, Douglas Olinger, Donald Olinger and Deborah Briggs; his adopted daughter, Christina Olinger; two sisters-in-law, Eva Olinger and Maryland Olinger; as well as several nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by all of his brothers, Lloyd Martin Olinger, Richard Olinger, Robert Olinger, John Olinger, Clarence Olinger and Marvin Olinger; his only sister, Adeline Tenold; his parents, John and Ellen Olinger; and his wife, Krystal Olinger. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Visitation will be for one hour prior. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Full military honors will be provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the SD Army National Guard.