Herman DeVan Oelschlager

Our Friend, Herman DeVan Oelschlager, passed peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Milwaukie, OR in his home where he and his beloved wife, Bonnie, have lived for 40 years. Born January 1, 1942, in Palmyra, NE. Herman, 83 years old, had been battling cancer for the last year and a half which culminated in a brief period of hospice. 

Herman was married to Bonnie for 62 years and loved spending time together. They enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon, specifically Black Butte and Sunriver, as well as going out to eat, playing cards with friends, and gardening, which Herman took great pride in. Herman was an avid fisherman and had a passion for restoring classic cars. His passion for old classic cars went far beyond restoring them which took him to big car shows, many swap meets and cruise-ins galore. An annual trip to Seaside to celebrate their anniversary in September would often coincide with the car show there.

At one point Herman and two of his friends, Dave Judd and Al Garvey, opened a shop in Oregon City, OR which they named: The Three Amigos. They rented this shop for about ten years which became a place they all could go to work on their cars. Cars that they bought in pieces and put back together and some they would buy whole and take apart, sand blast, scout for new authentic parts, put back together and have painted. A true labor of love. 

Herman was also a member of Tri-City Baptist Temple for many years where he served as a trustee and in the bus ministry alongside, Mike, his brother-in-law. 

Herman graduated from Tigard School in 1960. He was a loyal employee of Western Transportation where he worked and retired after 40 years of service to the company. 

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Maxine Worley and Dale DeVan Oelschlager.

Herman is survived by his wife, Bonnie Oelschlager, his son, Jeff Oelschlager - Gladstone, OR., his brother, Ron (Yvonne) Oelschlager - Milwaukie, OR., and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on 3/15/25 at 11:00am at Tri-City Baptist Temple, 18025 Webster Rd., Gladstone, OR 97027. The service will be followed by a Celebration of Life onsite.