Sharing their love
of sheep
Oelke family shows Suffolk breed for three generations
BARRETT – When Bret Oelke was 4 years old, his parents gave him and his sister each a Suffolk lamb to raise and show. Today, Bret is still raising Suffolk sheep and has been working with them for over 60 years. His wife, Lorie Oelke, has been doing the same for over 50 years, since she was 10 years old.
In fact, the couple came to know each other through showing sheep in their youth and fell in love over their mutual interest.
Today, on their farm near Barrett, they share that interest with their 16 grandchildren. The oldest, Jacob, has aged out of youth showing....