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OBERLE
Florence
Florence Oberle, 98 years old, passed away at her home on River Road, Grand Rapids, Ohio on Friday, January 18, 2013. She was the widow of Edward N. Oberle.
Known in her hometown of Grand Rapids and throughout northwest Ohio for the beautiful gardens that encircled her home, and for her hospitality, Mrs. Oberle's home was the centerpiece and focus of her life. Anyone who stopped by to see her casually was sure to be served tea and a homemade dessert.
To satisfy a longtime desire to own a restaurant, Mrs. Oberle opened the spacious, award winning gardens to the public for teas in 1983. Word quickly spread and soon the gardens were blooming with groups enjoying her warm hospitality and luscious desserts. Many customers made reservations a year in advance. She cherished the 11 guest books signed by the hundreds of people who came to her teas and to tour the gardens. The signatures, always accompanied by a complimentary note, were of guests from all corners of the world. She gave up the teas and tours in 2003 when she was 89 years old.
Mrs. Oberle was an outstanding example of how to enjoy life to the fullest far into the senior years. She loved to entertain friends for lunch until shortly before her death and the menu always included one or two of her specialty desserts and tea.
In 1962 the Ohio Association of Gardens Club, Region 1, which includes 6 counties, named Mrs. Oberle the outstanding gardener of the year. In 1982 Grand Rapids Mayor Harry Jeffers presented Mrs. Oberle with a certificate of appreciation for the many years of maintaining and sharing the most beautiful gardens of Grand Rapids.
That her reputation as a gracious hostess spread far beyond the city limits of Grand Rapids is proved in the number of articles written about her flowers and gardens teas. Publications that featured Florence Oberle stories include Bend of the River, Kerr House, A Treasury of Recipes, Particular Places, a Traveler's Guide to Inner Ohio, Ohio Magazine, The Bowling Green Sentinel and The Toledo Blade.
A passion for baking inspired her to enter the retail market. She developed a packaged scone mix that was marketed by Churchill's and Gourmet Curiosities in Toledo. Mrs. Oberle also gave baking demonstrations at Gourmet Curiosities and drew record attendance.
She was born September 6, 1914, and was adopted by Carl and Anna Saltz Laskey along with her sister Margaret and brother Harold. Mrs. Laskey was her maternal aunt. She was the valedictorian of the class of 1932, Grand Rapids High School, and received a degree in elementary education from Bowling Green State University.
Mrs. Oberle's elementary teaching career began with two years at Milton Center School in Wood County. She retired from Washington Local Schools, Toledo, after teaching 39 years. She was proud of her Wood County ancestry. Her great grandmother taught school in Wood County before the Civil War.
On June 21, 1954, she married Edward N. Oberle of Grand Rapids. Gardening was a hobby the couple shared. Mr. Oberle preceded her in death January 18, 1965.
After her retirement from teaching in 1976, Mrs. Oberle became more active in the Grand Rapids community. She was awarded several blue ribbons at the Wood County Fair for her outstanding floral arrangements. She was secretary of the Grand Rapids senior citizens and planned many of the club's social activities.
She was a member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, the Wood County Retired Teachers Association, the Grand Rapids Historical Society, and First Families of Wood County. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Rapids for 60 years until in later years she turned to church services on television.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret Harner; brothers, Harold and Carl Laskey Jr. She is survived by cousins, a niece, and a large circle of friends.
Visitation for Florence will be at Wright-Habegger Funeral Home, 24084 West 2nd St., Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522, on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. from 1:00 p.m. until funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Interment services will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Any memorial contributions in Florence's name are asked to be made to the Grand Rapids Historical Society.
To share a memory or send a condolence please visit
www.wrighthabeggerfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Oberle was the most amazing teacher in the world! She taught 2nd grade to me and my two younger sisters. As a family we would go visit her often at her beautiful home and enjoy lunch or tea. She was such an incredible women! I remember getting a teaspoon of sunflower seeds during reading time. She will always be part of our incredible memories!
Kimberly Phillips
February 16, 2014
Mrs Oberle was my 2nd grade teacher in 1969. She told my mother once in a teacher conference that she wanted to know what I ended up doing in life. A couple of summers ago I was in town riding my motorcycle along the river. I stopped and told her.
Edward Foley
January 25, 2013
Mrs. Oberle was my second grade teacher and my favorite teacher. Years later, we met again when she came into the bank I worked at. Amazingly, she remembered me and invited me to tea at her home. I spent several afternoons with her in her beautiful rosé garden. She was an amazing lady and will be missed by her many friends
Sandra Northcutt
January 24, 2013
Mrs. Oberle was second grade teacher for my children, Cindy and Brian. She was such a wonderful person. I enjoyed reading articles about her in the Blade regarding her roses and teas. I never attended her teas, though. Peace with you, Mrs. Oberle.
Patricia Booth-Lieberman
January 24, 2013
Florence was a dear friend to me and to my elderly Mother. Florence would bring Mom bouquets of her beautiful roses and have tea with her in the afternoons after she retired, when I was still teaching.
I went to Florence's classroom to teach art, and she always stayed and worked with the children learning whatever I might be offering herself. She served tea in her garden to my grand daughter Allison when she was 10, Allison now 26, has never forgotten her. She has always been a marvel and full of energy. A very positive person. I will miss her. Donna Johnston, now retired; Past art teacher, seventh grade teacher and Prinicpal in Washington Local Schools.
January 23, 2013
Mrs Oberle was my 2nd Grade teacher. She taught us how to macrame and grow bean sprouts!! I LOVED having her as a teacher. When I was a little older my Mom and sisters & I went to her house - her flowers were so beautiful! Every time I see "Chicken in a basket" I think of her. What a wonderful lady!!
Lori Beck Howard
January 23, 2013
Mrs. Oberle was a teacher for my children when they went to Washington Local. As well as my grandchildren then just recently I was able to visit with her in her home. She was as pleasant person years ago and when I was able to visit just last year.
Ed Foley
January 23, 2013
Florence taught across the hall from me when I started my career at Meadowvale. She was always willing to answer any questions I had. She was a sweet person, dedicated teacher, and had a great sense of humor. I will always remember her white 'go-go' boots
she wore.
Janet Fink
January 22, 2013
Living in Grand Rapids, OH, I have had the privilege of enjoying Florence's beautiful garden.
Lynn Buchele
January 22, 2013
to whom it may concern.
I never had had Mrs. Oberle as a teacher, but my two sisters Sherrie and Lori Malkin did
respectfully
Gayle Malkin Feldstein
January 22, 2013
What a beautiful lady she was. I attended several teas in her magnificent, peaceful gardens, and was invited inside her lovely home. She was a perfect hostess, and she had such a giving, caring spirit. She made the best homemade ice cream, and my favorite was the pineapple-cherry. I was blessed to get her recipe, and have made it several times for special occasions. Florence was one-of-a-kind, and she will never be forgotten by those who knew her.
Jane Dieter Hochmuth
January 22, 2013
Mrs Oberle,was my sisters 2nd grade teacher at Trilby and then three of my children had her for 2nd grade at Meadowvale she was a great influence and a teacher never forgotton. Jeanne Foley Mohler
Jeanne Mohler
January 22, 2013
Mrs. Oberle was my favorite teacher she was so kind and happy all the time
Candy Grogan
January 21, 2013
Mrs. Oberle was my 2nd Grade Teacher at Meadowvale Elementary, Along time ago, I have always thought about her i always new she was a very special person. sounds like she had a wonderful life. hope she will be one I meet in Heavan some day. She taught us how to macrame.
Michele Brown/ Heilman
January 21, 2013
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