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BORN
1959
DIED
2022
John Oberhausen Obituary
JUNE 13, 1959 - DECEMBER 24, 2022
John "Obie" Oberhausen died peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on Christmas Eve after a long illness. Obie had a full and wonderful life. He served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, living in Italy for half of that time. After retiring from the Navy, he hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, over 2000 miles, having had no previous hiking experience. He then moved to New Mexico where he met his wife, Nancy Lehrhaupt, and began a second career as a massage therapist.
Inspired by a bout with cancer when he was 50 years old, Obie volunteered doing oncology massage at the Christus St Vincent Regional Cancer Center, and then became part of the staff there. He continued to volunteer at the Cancer Foundation as well.
Obie was also one of the founders of the Cactus Rescue Project, a grassroots group dedicated to saving an endangered New Mexico cactus called the Santa Fe Cholla. Their efforts were key to preventing the extinction of this plant. (cactusrescueproject.org).
Obie was eternally positive, optimistic and kind. He brightened a room with his light and humor.
He touched many lives with his generous heart.
Obie leaves his wife, Nancy and many friends including his BFF, Joe Newman.
He also leaves his sons, David and Michael Oberhausen, daughter-in-law Jacquelyn, and 3 grandsons, Lincoln, Lucas and Samuel and his siblings Hank, Billy, Patty, Kurt and their dear families.
Obie and his wife would like to thank the staff at the Christus St Vincent Regional Cancer Center for their incredible care and kindness during his long illness. We request that those wanting to honor Obie can donate to the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico, P.O. Box 5038, Santa Fe, NM 87502.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Oberhausen
Joseph E Newman
December 24, 2024
Joseph E Newman
December 24, 2024
It's been two very difficult years but the mission continues.
Joseph E Newman
December 24, 2024
Jeanie
December 23, 2024
A beautiful man gone too soon. Know that you're still in our hearts.
Annabelle Silva (sister of Teresa Parsons)
December 24, 2023
To Obie: Happy 2nd Christmas in heaven. There is never a time that I don't think of you when I think of our sister. I hope you've met up there and are watching over all of us.
To Nancy & Family: I know how difficult this Christmas will be for you, but what a wonderful person you had in your lives. We knew him for such a short time, and he left us with many great memories. My best to all of you.
Joseph E Newman
December 24, 2023
Obie's Celebration of Life, June 4, 2023, Eldorado Community Center, Santa Fe, NM
Joseph E Newman
December 24, 2023
Obie was the friendship of a lifetime. Obie created a special magic and presence that lives beyond description and his physical passing. Obie deserved more time; we all deserved more Obie. The magnitude of our grief is a fair price to pay for the memories we share of Obie's larger than life presence and generosity. Thank you, Obie, for everything.
Tab 'cheeseburger' Combs
May 19, 2023
Obie was one of the kindest, gentlest, most generous humans I've ever known. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing.
Andy Vasquez
January 9, 2023
Obviously heaven must have needed some excitement as John was not one to be quiet. We went to school together, and our families were close. Even in the Navy, we still kept in contact. The only thing that reduces the pain, is knowing we will see him again. God blessed us with you presence, and those who knew Obie always remember his bright attitude toward life. God Bless brother, and thank you for your service to our country.
Aswah
January 8, 2023
I met Obie in 2000 somewhere just south of Damascus, VA. I only walked for a few short days with/around him but I will never forget the beauty of his soul and his ability to make you feel that much better about yourself. I wish his family heartfelt condolences and peace during this extremely difficult time. The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye... until we meet again.
David "Lurch" Krieger
January 7, 2023
I met Obie when I was hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2000. In the pic I´m the tall guy in the back. He was such a great guy. I´m sad that he is gone but happy to see how much he accomplished in life. Sorry for your loss.
Rebecca Farr
January 6, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear this. Obie was a lovely soul and I benefitted from his amazing smiles, sparkling blue eyes and enchanting stories. I was glad to call him a friend.
Luanna Salazar
January 6, 2023
So saddened to hear about his passing. He definitely had a presence and was inspiring. Rest In Peace
Geri Ayrault
January 6, 2023
Obie giving my husband one final foot massage on his last day of (amazingly effective) chemo... that smile was always present and was such a comfort, as was his delightful conversation about such things as eating many M & Ms on the A.T. A mighty heart. May his memory be a blessing.
Geri Ayrault
January 5, 2023
Oh, Nancy, my deepest condolences. He was such a dear person and so kind and big-hearted. He helped my husband so much in the chemo room and then just became a dear friend. This is such a loss to the world.
Nokia
January 5, 2023
So incredibly sad to hear this. I met Obie in the first couple of days of our hike on the AT and he provided many laughs and smiles. An amazing human. My heart felt condolences to his wife, family, and friends.
Tammy Tapia
January 5, 2023
I am so sad with this news!!! Obi was an amazing man!! I worked with him at Holistic Health. He always had a smile on his face and he was so easy to talk to. May he rest in peace and may God help heal his family.
Sue Garfitt
January 5, 2023
There are no words big enough to hold you in your grief, just know that you are not alone. We care deeply for you and will do whatever you feel best to support you going forward. Sue G:)
Michael Clark
January 5, 2023
I am so sad to learn of Obie's passing. A gifted plantsman whose generosity touched so many in the Eldorado communiy, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, St. Vincent Hospital and beyond. I will miss his green thumb, his gentle spirit and warm smile. Rest in Peace dear brother. Michael Clark
Nancy Lane
January 5, 2023
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Obie was a wonderful person and like you cared so much for so many people. He will be missed. In sympathy, Nancy
Suzanne Klapmeier
January 5, 2023
It´s hard to think of Obie not being in this world-he was such a busy soul, lighting it up as he went along. Truly lived a full life of appreciation and was an inspiration and mentor. I will miss his enthusiasm and zest for life so much!
Webster Kreitz
January 4, 2023
Obie was such a gentle and caring man, we met when I was being treated for cancer and I remember his tender touch and sweet, positive words. My husband and I are saddened beyond measure at his loss.
Joseph E Newman
January 4, 2023
Kathy Dye
January 4, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear this. My husband and I learned so much about cacti from him at a recent annual giveaway. We are obsessed with cacti now, and he was the one who lit a fire under us.
Don Barnett
January 4, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss, Obie was a wonderful person and he will be missed by us for all the information he had about Cactus. love the Barnett family
Lorraine & Mark Salazar
January 4, 2023
Rest in Peace, Obie. Thank you for your care during my chemo sessions. Loved sharing stories with about our grandchildren.
Bunny Terry
January 4, 2023
I first met Obie as a stage IV cancer patient in the chemo room. In moments when fear was one of my constant companions, Obie always had a kind word and a great foot massage. When I became involved with the board of the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico, and then became the board chair, I saw him everywhere - helping patients, volunteering with delivery of Christmas baskets, helping with the Sweetheart Auction. He had a giving spirit and enthusiasm that never seemed to lag, even when he was obviously physically diminished from his own illness. The world is a smaller place without Obie's smile and generosity. Thank you to his family for sharing him with all of us.
Joseph E Newman
January 3, 2023
Nat Dean
January 3, 2023
"Obie" was a true healer. May his memory be a blessing. (photo of his healing touch in action, 1/15/2018)
Joseph E Newman
January 3, 2023
Mary Uhl and Mike Schneider
January 3, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with Obie´s family.
Ann Maes
January 3, 2023
My deepest condolences to a Light that walked among us. Rest in Peace Obie.
Murphy O’Brien
January 2, 2023
What sad news, but remembering his smile and warm way can make me smile through the sadness. I consider myself lucky to have known him. Sending love to Nancy and all the family.
Greg Tickle
January 2, 2023
Obie was an amazing person. His passion for the many projects is was involved with was infectious. He was generous with his time and knowledge. His commitment to the Cactus Rescue Project and his amazing work for the community will live on. The value of plant preservation through his and the other inspired individuals who worked with him, is priceless. Thank you Obie for sharing your life with us.
Jeanie C. Williams
January 2, 2023
What a remarkable & brilliant light Obie contributed to our world, and now to the night skies. He was the kindest, most giving person I have known in a long time, and he will be missed deeply. I was fortunate to share my office space with him where he did his oncology massage. RIP dear soul.
Julia Kelso (VGPL Director)
January 2, 2023
He did amazing work and gave terrific presentations and we at Vista Grande Public Library will miss him and his work (and words) greatly
Charlotte Cooke
January 2, 2023
I was a classmate with Obie in a manual lymph drainage class, and became a friend and neighbor. Obie was a gentle soul and contributed much to many different groups. I shall miss him!
Joseph E Newman
January 2, 2023
Cathleen Suspanic
January 2, 2023
Obie was a wonderful ray of sunshine during my Chemo treatments. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Cynthia Perez
January 2, 2023
Blessings & love May surround your family & friends. Our loving condolences and continue to spread Obie's sincere faith.
Amy
January 2, 2023
What a beautiful light was Obie. He changed the world with that light. He touched so many and lives on in our hearts. Blessings to his family.
Daniela Roth
January 2, 2023
With great sadness I receive the news of Obie's passing. He had the rare magic of bringing people together. We need more people like Obie. He will be missed dearly by many. My deepest condolences.
Pam Grieco
January 1, 2023
Thank you Obie for making life a little more bearable for those of us receiving chemo.
Frieda Claes
January 1, 2023
As a newbie to NM, you introduced me to the wonderful world of cacti. I will always be grateful for your wisdom. Rest in peace, Obie.
Joe Newman
January 1, 2023
Nina Harrison
January 1, 2023
I am shocked and sorrowed by the loss of Obie.And I feel deeply for loss. If there is anything I can do or help with, please reach out. Nina
Annabelle Silva
January 1, 2023
My deepest condolences to all of Obie's family. What an absolutely wonderful human being we were so fortunate to meet while our sister, Teresa Parsons, was going through her battle with cancer. We so looked forward to seeing this kind, loving Obie, who made her treatment visits a joy and was part of her wonderful transition to her next life. He shared pictures of his newest grandkids with such delight. I asked her this morning, after seeing the news, to please greet him in heaven with the best "foot massage" ever. Love you Obie.
Claudia Inoue
December 31, 2022
I am deeply saddened to read this. Obie was one of the sweetest, kindest and most caring people I have ever met. I will think of him every time I walk through my extensive cactus garden which I have thanks to him and his generosity and cactus events every year. I will miss him.
Jeannie and Mark Daly-Gunter
December 31, 2022
Many blessings at this difficult time. xoxo
Gail Gibson
December 30, 2022
Nancy - what a lovely tribute. Such a wonderful life he led. I´m so sorry for your loss but happy for your many happy years together.
Steffie Grow
December 30, 2022
Nancy,
What a beautiful tribute to Obie's life and legacy.
I hope you can receive ongoing support...and take care of your very tender heart:(.
I'll be in touch (but you can always reach out to me.
Steffie
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