Ireta Oberlander

Ireta May Oberlander, 87, of Bucyrus, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at her residence where she was surrounded by family.

She was born March 1, 1927 in Chatfield, Ohio to the late Clifford and Doyle (Sponseller) Gerhart. Ireta graduated from Chatfield High School and on December 9, 1947 she married Ellis M. “Obie” Oberlander whom she’d met while socializing after work at the Northern Restaurant. They enjoyed over 66 years of marriage until his death this past September.

Earlier in life, Ireta worked at Swan Rubber but when it was time to raise a family, she wanted to be at home where she could provide as much love as possible. Being the on-the-go person she was, Ireta helped run the Oberlander family cider mill once her children were grown. She enjoyed the many connections made with their customers until selling the mill.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and she cherished Sunday afternoon dinners prepared from her blue roaster. There were many spirited Euchre games with her siblings and she always hoped for a large turnout at the Gerhart family reunion.

With family being her first love, BINGO was a strong second. She enjoyed playing  up to six nights a week when her health permitted, traveling around the area to five different sites with the Conservation League being her favorite and even as her health declined she was able to play two to three nights a week. She also loved watching basketball on TV, traveling around the U.S. with Obie and spent a lot of time in her vegetable garden and canning. She was a longtime member of the Brokensword UMC until they closed and she recently attended Mt. Zion UMC with her son and daughter-in-law when able.

She is survived by her children, Roger (Vicki) Oberlander of Bucyrus, Carol (Jim) Clady of New Washington, Robert (Shelly) Oberlander of Huntsville, Alabama, Gary (Melissa) Oberlander of Bucyrus and daughter-in-law, Sue Oberlander of Bucyrus; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Miriam (Jim) Etzinger, Lois (Donald) Albert and Dorothy (Vic) Cassaro, all of Bucyrus in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and Obie, Ireta was preceded in death by her son, John D. Oberlander; brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Carl “Sam”, William and Arthur Gerhart and her sister, Carol Gerhart.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday, February 27 at Wise Funeral Service. Her funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Zion UMC with Pastor Matt Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Friday, February 27, 2015 5-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Saturday, February 28, 2015 10:30 a.m.

Mt. Zion UMC, 1192 Mt. Zion Road, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Brokensword Cemetery, Crawford County, Ohio