Obituary
Cale Frederick Oelfke
Cale Frederick Oelfke, 27, passed away unexpectedly on April 9th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Born on September 15, 1997, Cale lived his life with a full heart and an infectious energy that touched everyone around him.
He is survived by his loving mother Tamara Puent, his father Terry Oelfke, and his siblings Kyle (Kala) Oelfke, Alex (Brittney) Oelfke, Sara (Jayson) Oelfke and Megan (Jordan) Erickson. His greatest pride and joy were his children, Brooklyn and Brayden Oelfke, who were the center of his world and the light of his life. He is also survived by his grandfather, Robert Puent, and many aunts and uncles.
Cale will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews: Riley, Lyona, Landyn, Lyvi, Aaden, Gracie, Jaiven, Piper, Bentley, Justin Paisley, Letty Paisley, and Carsyn Paisley. Each one brought him joy, and he shared special bonds with them all.
From a young age, Cale was adventurous and full of life. He cherished time at his grandpa’s farm, snowmobiling with his dad and grandpa in the winter and riding three-wheelers in the summer. He loved going to the skate park with his brothers Alex and Kyle and spent countless hours immersed in Dragon Ball Z until the tapes wore out—then came World of Warcraft, where many more hours were joyfully spent.
Cale had a brilliant mind and graduated high school with the potential to do anything he set his heart to. He was passionate about skateboarding, cracking jokes, playing cards with his recovery family, attending 12-step meetings, and sharing his love of Fortnite with his nephews. But above all, what mattered most to Cale was his family—especially his children. His conversations always circled back to Brayden and Brooklyn; he never missed a chance to brag about them.
Cale’s presence was magnetic. There was never a dull moment when he was around—his laugh, his signature “tickle tickle,” and his ability to brighten any room will be missed deeply. He thrived on being around family—cousins, aunts, uncles—always making memories and making people laugh, whether through gentle teasing or relentless tickles.
Cale is preceded in death by Grandpa Carl, Grandma Mary, Grandma Margie, and Uncle Mike. He leaves behind a community of family, friends, and a recovery network who will forever remember his spirit and smile.
Special thanks to Todd Hoffe and the Narcotics Anonymous community, who were a meaningful part of Cale’s journey.
Cales funeral will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska Wisconsin 54650. All who knew and loved Cale are welcome to attend and share in remembering the beautiful, bright soul that he was. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Cale, your laughter, your light, and your love will live on in all of us.
My deepest sympathies to the family. We will be out of town, but please know I will be thinking of all of you, and keeping you in my prayers.
Mary Shellist
rip im so sorry , sorry to your children and your mom and siblings sorry for not meeting up when you needed some one to talk to you were way to young to go , hope you’re in a better place then me as a matter of fact i know you are , tell everyone love them until we see each other again!
I don’t know what to say. It’s a tragedy that it happened to a young man and father. Heart and prayers out to the family and friends. His children especially. May he be remembered in the kindest way and never forgotten.
Rest Peacefully Cale, you will always be remembered. We give our best to your family, so sorry for this very unexpected news. Fly High Friend, Jennifer and Tyler Beeler
Rest in peace cale you will be missed you are a nice young man
Rest in peace my friend
“Cale Called Me Buddy” –
Through the way he carried himself—unapologetic, bold, and fully alive—Cale made it clear he was on the right path. He had changed, and he believed in that change with a kind of conviction most people spend their whole lives chasing. He believed in himself in a way that felt rare, especially in recovery, where doubt creeps in at every corner.
When he was in his mode—that fully present, fully Cale mode—he held this certainty I’ve always longed for. As someone who’s never felt all that sure of anything, being around him was like getting hit with a wave of that confidence. It was loud, it was sometimes obnoxious, but it was real. And whether you were ready for it or not, Cale was gonna make you feel it.
He had this cherub-like confidence—equal parts inspiring and disarming—and somehow, he pulled it off without ever sounding arrogant. That was the magic. He could be the loudest guy in the room, and instead of sucking the air out, he filled it with joy, with fire, with possibility.
Cale reminded me to smile more. To laugh louder. To be confident in myself—even when I didn’t feel like I had the right to be. What I loved most about him, what kept me wanting to be near him, was that he held on to something so many of us lose—his innocence. His passion. Two things my jaded self had felt I had lost a lifetime ago. And the wildest part is… he managed to have that kind of impact on me in barely two years. That’s how powerful his presence was.
So sorry to hear about Cale! He was a great guy with a lot of potential to do great things! Hopefully you’re hitting those kick flips at the skatepark in the sky! Thoughts and prayers to Tammy and the rest of the Oelfke family as they navigate this difficult time!