Douglas Terry Oberholtzer

1933 - 2010

Douglas Terry Oberholtzer August 2, 1933 - July 3, 2010 Douglas Terry Oberholtzer passed away on July 3, 2010. He was 76 years old. Doug was a longtime resident of Tehachapi. Doug was born in Washington, D.C., to Jacqueline and Ford Oberholtzer into a family of eight children. His brother Morris died as a baby, Doug was the oldest of the brood. The family settled in Altadena, CA where they lived for many years. When Doug was 16, the family bought property in rural Oroville, CA so that they could have room for the large family. Doug helped his father build the house in Oroville which developed his life long carpentry skill. He could build just about anything. While he was healthy, he never sat still; he always had a project. To know Doug was to know a man of discipline, loyalty, and devotion to service. He was a Marine and a Sheriff's deputy, yet he had a soft side; he was a family man and he adored his wife Brenda. Doug loved classical music, good food, working around the house, reading, and traveling. And no one who knew him will forget his beautiful blue eyes. Doug joined the Marines in 1950 and served until 1954 in Korea as a Military Policeman. He married his first wife, Joan Jensen, in 1955. They settled in Altadena and raised five children. With a young family to raise, Doug worked days and attended college at night, but he soon decided that a desk job would not suit him. He joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1957 and served for 32 years. He served as a patrolman in Altadena and San Dimas, in the Special Enforcement Detail, and retired as a homicide detective. He was one of the first LA County Sheriff's patrol officers to serve with a female partner, Charlene Rottler, of which he was very proud. Doug married Brenda in 1977. They lived in Covina and retired to Tehachapi. They shared many years of their retirement romancing, enjoying Tehachapi, and traveling the world together. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Brenda Oberholtzer. He also leaves his children: Laurie Oberholtzer (Carlton) of Nevada City, Beth Oberholtzer (Spampinato) of Crockett, Margie Oberholtzer (Grivetti) of Santa Barbara, and John Oberholtzer of Santa Barbara; stepson, Kyle Martinez of Rocklin; and twelve grandchildren: Rachel Oberholtzer; Matt and Ry Grivetti; Elizabeth and Wyn Carlton; Cristina and Carlo Spampinato; and Amy, Eric, and Ray Oberholtzer; Dylan and Trent Martinez; brother, Tim of Oakland; sister, Betty Jean of Blue Eye, Missouri; sister, Jacqui of Altadena; brother, Bob of Los Angeles; and brother, Larry of Mesa, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Debra Gordon (Oberholtzer); many close friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Tim Oberholtzer; grandson, Chris Oberholtzer; sister, Madeline Oberholtzer; and brother, Morris Oberholtzer; and his parents, Jacqueline and Ford Oberholtzer. The family would like to thank Hoffmann Hospice, especially Julie and Colleen, for their loving care during Doug's last days. Doug was in Evergreen Healthcare since February 2010, where he was cared for by such thoughtful caring people, thank you all so very much. There will be a service for the family and close friends. There will be a memorial celebration around July 31st, the family will let family and friends know the details. www.bakersfield.com/obits