James Oberlander Obituary

James L. "Jim" Oberlander

James L. Oberlander, 98, of Tiffin, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at The Willows at Tiffin.

He was born June 1, 1927, in Canton, to Gorman and Beulah (Snavely) Oberlander. On August 7, 1948, he married E. Cedella Kaiser, and she preceded him in death June 1, 2022.

Survivors include his sons, James M. (Bonnie) Oberlander of Tiffin and Dr. Richard D. (Betty) Oberlander of Pickerington; daughters, Carol (David) Pagnard of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Marilyn Bentz of Gahanna; 13 grandchildren, Sheri, Lori, Tiffany, Krista, Jason, Greg, Megan, Hannah, Ashley, Landon, Tyler, Matthew and Kiley; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Irene Housley.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, D. Edwin Oberlander; and sister, Jane Clabaugh.

Jim was a graduate of Upper Sandusky High School and Ashland College. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Jim loved sports. He tried out and was offered a contract with Chicago Cubs. He was then called to the Army and never got to fulfill that dream. He coached football and baseball in his early years and was a referee for basketball and football for 45 years. He retired at the age of 75 after working a state-final football game. He was inducted into OHSAA Official's Hall of Fame in 1990.

His teaching career started at Mansfield Reformatory. He then taught at Loudonville, Bucyrus, and Tiffin City Schools. Many knew him from behind the wheel as he taught driver's education first through school and then privately.

Jim liked to play golf, enjoyed model railroading, and collected die-cast trucks and matchbox cars. Jim and Cedella enjoyed traveling, especially bus trips to Branson, Missouri, and mystery tours. They loved the Alaskan cruise. Jim was a devout Christian and was a member of Family of Faith Church.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424, with the Rev. Doug DeVos officiating. Burial will follow at Seneca Memory Gardens, with military honors being conducted by United Veterans Council.

Friends may visit with family from 11:30 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Stein Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Willows for their compassionate care, Stein Hospice for their support, and the Rev. Doug DeVos for his visitations, guidance, and kindness during this time.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.