![Nebraska's Tracy Oehlerking cleans the carpet below a desk in a Schorr Center meeting room on March 25. After careers in cosmetology and real estate, Oehlerking found her passion helping keep campus spaces clean for students, faculty and staff.](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/media/images/220328_Schorr%2520Janitor0535%2520copy.jpg?itok=gOpmOVjb)
Tracy L. Oehlerking, 57, of Gering, died due to cancer on Dec. 1 at the Residency Care Center in Scottsbluff.
Oehlerking worked in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s custodial department for nearly five years. She started on the modified crew before moving to a specialist role at the Schorr Center. She also served as an interim supervisor on the first shift. Oehlerking’s work was featured in Nebraska Today in 2022.
Due to illness, she stepped down from her role on campus in September and moved to be closer to family.
“Tracy was a hard worker who took great pride in her work,” said Jim Jackson, associate vice chancellor for University Operations. “She will be greatly missed.”
Oehlerking was born July 23, 1966 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Marvin and Mary Lou (Spatz) Snell. She attended school in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1984. She attended School of Hair Design in Lincoln, which led to a 25-plus year career as a barber/hairstylist.
She was married to Tim Oehlerking at a ceremony in Jamaica — which was one of her favorite destinations. Many years later, they divorced.
Oehlerking loved the Huskers and her cats, CG and Neala.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Lou Snell of Scottsbluff; siblings Chris (Dave) Dill of Gering, Reed Snell of Oro Valley, Arizona, Scott (Vik) Snell of Loveland, Colorado, Lisa (Mike) Lofing of Scottsbluff, Laurie Adams of Arvada, Colorado, and Rodney Snell of Portland, Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews; and Jan Dill, a longtime friend from Lincoln who helped during her illness.
Oehlerking was preceded in death by her father, Marvin; maternal and paternal grandparents; and great niece, Annastasia.
An informal gathering of family and friends will be 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Lofing Home, 110341 County Road 26, Scottsbluff. Memorials are requested to York Adopt-A-Pet. Memories and condolences may be left online. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.