Wade L. Oberly served in the U.S. Army
Wade L. Oberly, 93, passed away on November 27, 2023 at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Wade was born September 20, 1930 in Putnam County, Ohio to the late Reno and Bertha (Hochstettler) Oberly. On December 29, 1950 he married Carolyn Matter Oberly who preceded him in death on August 1, 2018.
Wade was a graduate of Bluffton High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Lima Ford Engine Plant and was a lifetime farmer. Wade was a member of the Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Bluffton, the American Legion Post #382, Bluffton and the Good Sam's Camping Group. He enjoyed going to the Beaverdam McDonalds with his friends for coffee.
Survivors include four children, Barbara (Dean) Schmitz of New Albany, Oregon; David Oberly of Ottawa Lake, Michigan; Beverly (Eddie) Shepler of Bluffton; Doug (Julie) Oberly of Bluffton; seven grandchildren, Brandt Schmitz, Tamara (Adam) Moshofsky, Nick (Onalee) Shepler, Melissa (Shanon) Hauenstein, Tyler (Erin) Oberly, Lane (Jessica) Oberly, Kaleigh (Alex) Howard; thirteen great-grandchildren and a sister, Marilyn Schirch of Bluffton.
Wade was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Oberly; a brother, James Oberly and three sisters, Dorothy Porter, Bernice Reichenbach and Marjorie Davis.
Wade's services will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton with Pastor Jeremy Mann officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton, following the service where military honors will be provided. Visitation will be Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ or the American Legion Post #382.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Alice June (Hochstettler) Kliewer worked at Grace Bible Institute
- Bluffton College grad was famous for memorizing all of Paradise Lost
- Leiber honored by Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame
- SCHS Swiss Day to be held at new Swiss Heritage Center, June 28
- Free movie: Eight on the Lam, July 27
- Screen time: Impact on youth update
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 24
- Luvu a Latte temporary closure until July 14
- Results of Icon poll: How connected do you feel to the Bluffton community?
- Loving Laura’s Curls created to provide wigs for local cancer patients
- America 250 drone show illuminates Bluffton sky
- Recap of June 22 Bluffton Council Meeting