Lawrence D. "Larry" Oehlers

It is impossible to do justice to a man who has given so much of himself to so many people over 82+ years. Our hero, father, husband, brother, grandpa, mentor, and genuine friend touched the lives of so many people in such a positive way. His ‘resume’ for life is amazing. The son of Casper and Virginia (Miller) Oehlers, he grew up in the north end of Toledo as a three-sport star (football, basketball, and baseball) at Woodward High School. He did not remember ever being able to come home right after school…he always had practice or a game to attend for four years. He was proud to be from the north end. And, his passion for sports only grew over time. Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Tigers, UT everything, USMA/West Point sports, and eventually Lourdes University baseball. He served in the Army, where ironically, he stayed in the same barracks in Germany as his son, Bob, whom he was very proud of for graduating from West Point in 1989. Because of his athletic prowess, Dad’s ‘job’ in Germany was driving the Jeep for the commander of his unit. He played football, basketball, and baseball overseas – and made lifelong friends through it. When he returned from the service, he went to work at the Toledo Blade as a printer. He also met the love of his life, Sandy Nicola, while working as a bouncer at the Peppermint Club. They got married in 1963. They are two strong-willed, opinionated people, but they were perfect complements to one another for 57+ years. Netflix kept them sane when the pandemic forced everyone to stay home. Dad was a ‘doer’. Little league football and baseball coach, volunteer fireman, 32nd degree in the Masons, a Shriner, drove disabled kids to the Shriners Hospital, volunteered with Special Olympics, continued to play baseball, softball, bowl, golf, kayak, run, bike, and so much more. He organized countless bus trips to take people to sporting events and never charged a dime…just put in the time to set it up. He became a huge fan for the Harry Young Builders baseball team as well as watching his sons and grandson (Joey) play football and baseball. In 2016, at the age of 78, he was on a baseball team of guys 70+ that won the Roy Hobbs World Series in Fort Myers, Florida. He wore his championship ring proudly. Just last November, he played in the World Series again and was planning on playing this year. When his younger brother Dave moved to Florida in the early 90s, Dad and Mom went down to visit, and that was it…my Dad took a retirement buyout from the Blade, and they moved to Fort Myers. He absolutely loved Florida. Dave was like a son to him. He adored his whole family – especially his grandkids, Shelby, Allison, Joey, and Lindsay. They walked on water in his world. Those who had the great fortune of meeting him know he had a beautifully infectious personality. The gift of gab…he always made people feel better about themselves. What a wonderful trait. Dad leaves behind our wonderful mom, Sandy, and his sons, John (wife Laura; Shelby, Joey, Chancellor, and Trenton) and Bob (Ann; Allison and Lindsay)…Brothers Jim (Jeff, Tim, Greg, Lisa), Ken (wife Marilyn; Lori, Ken Jr.), and Dave (wife Edwina ‘Sis’; Sarah, Mark)…countless other treasured family members and friends. Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home on Saturday, May 8th from 12-7pm. A church service will follow at 7pm in the funeral home. Donations preferred to the Shriners Hospital or Special Olympics. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com