Richard Oberlander

1920 - 2014

Richard Freeman Oberlander

BUCYRUS: Richard F. Oberlander, 93, of Bucyrus, died Monday, November 24, 2014 at Heartland of Bucyrus.

He was born November 27, 1920 in Lykens, Ohio to the late Jacob and Sarah (Burkey) Oberlander and was a 1939 graduate of Lykens High School. Richard served with the US Army from 1942 to 1945 and was stationed in the Philippines.

Richard believed that hard work wouldn't kill anyone and growing up on a farm he understood there was always work to be done. In addition to helping his brothers on the farm, Richard worked for a short time at Birch Corp before taking a job with General Electric where he worked the swing shift as a furnace operator making glass. He was employed for 40 years before retiring.

Richard gave thanks to God for everything he had and accepted things out of his control. He was a charter member of Evangelical Faith Fellowship and was always first to volunteer for anything to better the church.

He was married to Phyllis Bantzhaff for 32 years before her death in 1974. He married Clara Lucille (Bantzhaff) Maples on July 10, 1976 and she survives. Richard loved getting together with family, especially for cookouts as this meant homemade ice cream which was a favorite of his. Richard also loved working on his own farm and in his garden. He watched Billy Graham and OSU Buckeye games on TV.

In addition to Clara, Richard is survived by children, Doris (Dale) Bloomfield, Vivian (Bob) Shumaker, Nancy (Charlie) Heinlen and Connie (Dennis) Seville; step-children, Suzanne Burkhart, Paula (Mike) Ridgeway and Sidney (Nancy) Maples; 22 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Wilma Oberlander, Abigail Johnson and Evelyn Kieffer.

He is preceded in death by ten siblings, Joe, Cleo, Jacob, Lloyd, Esther, Rosa, Lodena, Inez, Delverda and Freda and one grandson.

Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. Friday, November 28 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Evangelical Faith Fellowship, 940 New Washington Rd., Bloomville, Ohio 44818 with Pastor Tim Grimes officiating. His family will also receive friends one hour prior to his funeral. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery where military rites will be provided by the US Army Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to Evangelical Faith Fellowship or a charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home. To share an online memory, please visit www.wisefuneral.com.