Vernon G. Oelschlaeger
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Vernon G Oelschlaeger, 94, was born January 30, 1929, to Charles and Essie (Pouppirt) in Lawrence, KS. He passed away June 30 at Baldwin Healthcare Facility & has been interred at Memorial Park Cemetery
Vernon grew up on the family farm near Linwood, KS. While working very hard as a young man on the farm he graduated from Linwood High School in 1946. He married a classmate, Edith Douglas, on March 5, 1949.
Vernon was a get it done kind of guy. There was no task he couldn’t master. He worked hard & played hard when he had the opportunity. He enjoyed motorcycles, boats, water skiing, sports, go carts & roller skating. He last skated with his family when he was in his early 80’s. He was quite a daredevil & a very lucky one, thankfully. We had a fun loving, ornery talking pet crow, Charley, for many years. Charley had quite a neighborhood fan club. Vernon was very proud about building his & Edith’s family home and helping his kids do the same in their adulthood.
Vernon worked at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant & left there for Co-op (CFCA) where he retired at age 40. He & Edith then owned & operated The Lawrence Skate Center until 1979 when they converted the rink into a country western nightclub, naming it Shiloh. Shiloh seated over 500 people, had the largest wood dance floor in the surrounding area & hosted several Nashville stars. Many local bands performed there as well.
Vernon will be missed by his surviving daughter, Verna Kay Downing, his granddaughter, Eryn Downing-Ridinger (Justin) and great-grandsons, Camden & Trenton. Other family members include Larry Oelschlaeger, Lydia Leon and family, Ashley Oelschlaeger and family, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, his parents, son-in-law Clifford Downing, sister Maxine Coker, brothers Paul and Melvin.
Celebration of life to be held at a later time.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Vernon’s name to Lawrence Humane Society or Wounded Warriors and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in the peace of the Lord.
Verna Kay. I will be thinking of your family & praying for you especially. Think of you often. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Mary Ann (Freeman) Willems
OMG! I had no idea he passed. I am so sad about it. He was one of my father’s dearest friends. I met my son’s father at Shiloh.
He and his wife were so sweet. If I’d have known, I would have attended today.
I am so sad to hear this.
You have my deepest condolences.
Love and prayer to Verna, Eryn and family. Vernon was a special man. RIP
My very sincere condolences to the whole family. My father worked with him at co-op, and I knew him from my youth. Charlie the crow and what an impression that talking animal made on me. I’ll never forget all those great memories made at the skating rink and later at Shiloh. It sounds like he let a full life and enjoyed everything. He could possibly do. I just imagine all of the things he’s seen in his long life. He made a big impression on me and I believe the town of Lawrence as well. God bless him.
I loved going to his skating rink. Many happy memories—except when my best friend, Wendy Jackson, fell and broke her arm!
Verna. Love and prayers to you and your family.
His skating rink was a very important part of growing up in Lawrence, KS! Thank you fir making out town such a good place to live!
Condolences to the family.
Verna, thinking of you and your family. I have so many wonderful memories of the skating rink and later of working at Shiloh. Hugs to all!
Kay and family, So sorry for your loss, he will definitely be missed by many, he was a great man. So many memories this great man has left me with. As far back as Charley the crow, always remember him being outside in the yard as I walked home from elementary school. He entertained a lot of kids going to and from school. Then of course the skating rink, spent my teenage years there and then the Shiloh as I got older. Hugs to all of you!
Oh wow. Vernon and his wife were great people. Went roller skating at their place and spent many, many nights at the Shiloh. May Vernon RIP.
What a wonderful couple your parents were! Many childhood memories, as well as the courtship of my spouse happened on their hardwood floor. 🥰 Vern called me a couple of years back after I sent him birthday greetings…when I answered the phone his voice was as robust as I recall from my youth…he simple asked “size?”
Joyful recollections were shared during our visit. Our family is grateful for the gift of skating and dancing provided for thousands.
Having the opportunity to have had Vern (& Edie) in our lives was a blessing. Wishing all of you peace during this transition.
Uncle Vernon was my 2nd dad. So very blessed to have him in my life. He taught me how hard work and family values is the correct way to get anywhere. I miss Aunt Edith, my dads sister. Both of them always showed love in so many ways. Aunt Edith with her hugs and kisses and telling you how proud of you she was and Uncle Vernon, how he included you, showed you, taught you and loving way with patience and a steady hand. Praying for Verna Kay, may God provide abundant living and good health to you, you are such a great example of dedication to family. Through their genuine love of the community, they provided a wonderful place for fun and entertainment at the Skating Rink and later The Shiloh. The Oelschlaeger family was a blessing for the Lawrence community. Rest in Peace Uncle Vernon. You won the last handshake. I love you and will never forget you.
Sorry for your family’s loss.
Sorry to hear about your Dad Verna Glad I got to spend some time with him at Meadowlark when he and my folks were there.
Verna Kay, Eryn, and families, you are a courageous example of what it means to be a family. Such good role models on how to care for each other. I know you did the best you could in caring for your Dad and Grandfather and that he appreciated all you did for him, every day. Sending love to you all and hope you can find peace in your memories of Vernon. And wishes for good health and peace to you all. Love you all.
VernaKay, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart, my prayers and my hugs are with you. Even though it was for a short time, it was good to reconnect. It made my heart so happy that Vernon remembered me after all these years. Peace and comfort to all.
I am so sad to read of Verns passing, I started going to Shiloh with my Mom when I was 15. Vern and Edith were always so sweet and friendly. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts and prayer are with their family.
Verna,sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers.
Verna, Eryn & family: When I think of wonderful, close friendships, the best example I can think of is Edi & Vern Oelschlaeger and their family. They were so close to my husband, Frank, and when my daughter and I arrived in Lawrence in 1974, they welcomed us into their “group”, where we shared many good times and fun adventures. The rink, Shiloh, and way beyond, hold many special memories. Verna, and Eryn & her family, have been the most dedicated caregivers – and such a blessing to Vern. Edi and Vern will always hold a special place in my heart as they now rest in peace together. Much love and good health to the rest of you.
Loved the whole family. Grew up at the skating rink thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dear Verna
Thoughts and prayers to you and family. Vern was a character for sure. Will always remember Edi and Vern,forever.
So, so sorry for your loss. I have some fond memories of Vernon. Many from the roller rink. I, along with many others will miss him.
Vernon was a neighbor of ours on Sage Brush Drive. We always enjoyed seeing him ride his lawnmower when we walked or drove by. In addition, Hjis granddaughter, Lydia, was an assistant coach to our sons when they ran cross country at Lawrence High School. We enjoyed seeing her and her family when they would visit Vernon. He was such a nice man. Our thoughts are with his family.
I’m sorry for your loss. As you well know, my siblings and I grew up at the rink. At speed skating practice Vern would always tighten my wheels for me. I would prop my skate up between his knees and he’d tighten them and I’d be on my way. What loving memories he gave so many.
Michele (PeeWee Garrett) Simpson