Rolf Oeler, 53, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 25, 2022. Born in Elmira, New York, he moved with family to Allentown's West End as a toddler. Though he lived elsewhere in his twenties, Rolf was never at home anywhere but here in Allentown. He found close, lasting friends making his trade as a handyman.

At William Allen High School, Rolf was an honors student as well as a champion diver and goalkeeper, earning district honors on the soccer pitch. He also trained at Manchester United in England, and he played for University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and Moravian College.

Rolf was proud of his German heritage and after a brief visit to Germany settled on Eisbären Berlin (Berlin Polar Bears) as his favorite sports team. He kept an exhaustive chronicle of the team's activities, never missed a game that could be seen on the Internet and corresponded with Eisbären fans from around the world.

As an amateur sports journalist and historian, Rolf's best work addressed local teams such as soccer's Stoners, baseball's Iron Pigs, and Muhlenberg College football. Possessing an uncommon wit and clever turns of phrase, he wrote as an idealist seeking the highest, truest forms of endeavor-and quick smart when matters failed his standards. He was sometimes irascible but more commonly was exceptionally generous. As with all loyalists he wished the best for friends and countrymen, and like all idealists he never abandoned hopes of better days ahead.

Rolf will be missed by all who knew him, especially Joe Clark, Jr. and his other friends at CDC Developers, Clark Cabinets and Stooges, who called him Jimmy. He is survived by his parents, Sally Lorensen (Rogers) Conant, Richard H. (Elaine) Oeler, Malcolm J. (Janet) Gross, his siblings, Kurt (Marcie Hutchins) Oeler, Paula (Dave Tilton) Oeler, Peter M. J. (Jennifer) Gross, Andrea (Steve Herz) Gross, Stacey (Greg Wallingford) Gross and Jack (Sandy Stahl) Gross; nieces Charlie and Margo Gross, along with other nieces and nephews; plus uncles and cousins in Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margaret Lorensen.

A celebration will be held in June at Stooges Bar and Grill at 21st and Liberty Streets in Allentown. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. Condolences may be offered at: www.jsuburkholder.com.

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Published by Morning Call on May 29, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Rolf Oeler

Sponsored by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc..

6 Entries

Chris Prorok

May 31, 2022

Knew Rolf from the neighborhood back in the late 70´s. Always thought he was cool. RIP Brother.

Jere C. Calmes

May 30, 2022

Rolf was my cousin. We knew each other as toddlers and, unfortunately, not very well passed that. I kept up to date through his younger sister, Paula and more recently through his older brother, Kurt. My sad feelings for his loss are sincere and my emotions and vibes go out to all that knew him better than me. Without knowing, he taught me a truly important lesson about family and for that I am thankful. In my family books are Kurt, Rolf and Paula along with Erin and Jere. May we all understand the true blessing of having a family, no matter how hard it gets. Goodbye cousin - see in another place. JC

Jeffrey Anthony

May 29, 2022

It was a great pleasure and privilege to have known him.

He was taken far too young.

Bob and Helen Nicholas

May 29, 2022

I remember Rolf well, taught him at first Presbyterian pre school. Such a nice person, even at 4 years old. God bless

Dan Riedy

May 28, 2022

Will miss our chats on Russian Hockey and our shared love of Olympic and MN hockey. Rest well

Jason Hoffman

May 28, 2022

Rolf was one of a kind
He was a popular kid in high school but always spoke to me and the other not-quite-so-cool kids
His near encyclopedic knowledge of local sports was amazing.
He was passionate about politics as we all know, but he could laugh at himself when I´d point out how ridiculous an argument was.

He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed

To his family, my deepest sympathies

Jason Hoffman

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