Floyd Oglesby

Floyd C. Oglesby Battle Creek, 86, died on Friday, October 15, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was born December 28, 1923, the son of Bryan and Olive (Schultz) Oglesby in LuVerne, Iowa, spending most of his youth in Mason City, Iowa. He graduated from Mason City High in 1941 where he met his future wife, Gwen, whistling at her when he saw her for the first time. Floyd joined the US Army Air Corp in 1943. He flew thirty missions over Europe as a tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the 8th Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three clusters, and Croix de Guerre of France. He flew two missions over France on June 6th, D-Day and was discharged October 10, 1945. On December 10, 1945, Floyd C. Oglesby was united in marriage to Gwendolyn "Gwen" Rampton in Mason City, IA. He earned a BA at the University of Northern Iowa in 1950. He also wrestled for UNI, placing second in the NCAA Finals Wrestling Tournament in 1950. Floyd taught school for one year in Osage, IA, for two years in Hampton, IA, then taught school at Battle Creek Central beginning in 1953. He earned an MA from Western Michigan University in 1959. During his twelve years at Central, Floyd taught U.S. History, was a Counselor, Director of Guidance, Wrestling Coach and Assistant Football Coach. He left high school teaching to work at Kellogg Community College, first as Dean of Students then as a counselor for 22 years. He was a member of the NEA and MEA. Floyd was elected to Battle Creek City Commission for six consecutive two year terms (1972-1984). He served as Vice Mayor for two years and as Mayor for three years. He played a lead role in attaining mandatory refuse collection, and was mayor when Battle Creek Township merged with the city of Battle Creek. Floyd signed documents establishing the sister city relationship with Takasaki, Japan, and was an ardent supporter of Battle Creek Unlimited. He played a role in railroad consolidation and dedicated the Miller Bridge on Washington Street, which enabled autos to by-pass rail crossings. In 1988, Floyd was inducted into the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame for his contributions as a wrestling coach during his career and in 2009, he and his 1950 NCAA champion wrestling team were inducted into the University of Northern Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame. Floyd loved grand parenting, listening to music, reading non-fiction, fishing, bird watching, spectator sports, working on the computer, politics, and watching PBS and C-Span. Floyd will be forever remembered for his kindness, love of people, love of life, and boundless love for his family, especially Gwen, the love of his life. Floyd is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Gwen, and four daughters: Julie (Greg) Hoelscher of Holland, Jo-Ellyn (Steve) Holt of Broomfield, CO, Jill (Barry) Dehlin of Okemos, and Mary (Matt) Fenske of Grand Rapids, thirteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Maryo Griffin and brother, Bill Oglesby. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bryan Oglesby. The family will welcome friends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday October 20, 2010 at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, with full military honors. Friends may make memorial contributions to Battle Creek Community Foundation.