Kern County CA Archives Obituaries.....Vehlewald , Oliver Henry "Ollie" September 9, 2005 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com September 13, 2005, 10:52 pm The Bakersfield Californian Vehlewald, Oliver Henry 1922 - 2005 Oliver Henry Vehlewald Born October 21, 1922 - Died September 9, 2005 A life with purpose. With Ollie Vehlewald, each day had one, you could be certain of that. It might be attending an activity with his granddaughter or grandson, meeting a friend at the lake for trout fishing, or attending a local organization board meeting. Ollie saw each day of his life as a gift from God that must not be wasted. There were things he could accomplish, and it was his responsibility to use each day in a purposeful way. Each day was met with a positive attitude and a can do spirit that was an inspiration to all. Ollie was born in 1922 on the family farm outside Fredericksburg Missouri, subsequently moving to a family farm near Stony Hill, Mo, where he attended a small country grade and middle school. He then moved to Hermann, Missouri to attend high school, where he played 3rd base for the high school baseball team. He then enlisted in the Army, becoming a veteran of World War II, serving in the 879th Engineer Aviation Battalion (Army Air Corps) in the China- Burma-India Theater. This was an airfield construction battalion that was deployed by gliders into the remote areas of Burma and India. He returned from the war in December 1945 to New Haven, Missouri where he married Fern Riechers, started a family, and then moved to Mexico, MO, in the early 1950s where they raised their 3 sons. Ollie and Fern were active members of that community for over 25 years and charter members of Trinity United Church of Christ. Ollies early professional career included positions with Wyeth Laboratories, The Equitable and New York Life. With Ferns passing in 1977, Ollie and his youngest son Dan relocated to the Lake Isabella, California area to be close to his brother Paul Vehlewald and his wife Viola. Ollie was not someone who sought out the spotlight; he just had a desire to make worthwhile things happen. He was active in many clubs, associations and organizations over the years, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Kern River Valley Cemetery District, V.P. of the Kern Valley Hospital Foundation, member and President of the Kern Valley Orchestra (he loved music and singing), was active in local the Chamber of Commerce, the local Republican Party, Kern Valley Rotary Club, Kern Valley Exchange Club, the Shrine Club and Masonic Lodge. He also regularly attended and participated in board meetings of the Kern Valley Hospital. When first arriving in the area, he worked as a meat cutter at the Isabella and Mountain Mesa Markets, then owned and operated Valley Hearing Center in Lake Isabella for 15 years. In 1997 Ollie actively recruited financial support from local businesses and individuals, which enabled bringing the Touring Vietnam Wall Memorial to the Kern River Valley. That same year the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce selected him as Man of the Year. He is survived by his 3 sons, Dan (wife, Bridget) of Bakersfield and grandchildren, Paige and Nick, Tim (wife, Joan) of Grand Rapids, MI, and grandchildren, John and Michael, Mark (wife, Lynne) of Naperville, IL and grandchildren, Brad and Darin. Pat Vehlewald (wife of Ollies late nephew Don Vehlewald) of Kernville, and his dear friend, Marge Swedelson of South Lake. He lived a life that was rich with friendships and family members who loved him and who will miss him. He helped many of us see that each and every one of us is capable of accomplishing many meaningful and worthwhile things in our lives. He also helped us see the meaning and importance of personal generosity. Theres a quotation that he was heard saying from time to time that defined his generosity towards others, "I pitied myself for having no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." At Dads request, no services will be held and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Legacy.com Published in the Bakersfield Californian on 9/13/2005. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. Obituaries http://www.legacy.com/bakersfield/LegacyHome.asp File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/v/vehlewal56gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/ File size: 4.8 Kb