James Oberzan

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

James Robert Oberzan, age 88 formerly of Oswego, passed away at the Mount Vernon Veteran’s Home at 7:55 AM on August 20, 2016.

James was born in West Mineral, KS on May 31, 1928 to the union of Martin Patrick Oberzan and Teresa Marie (Spendal) Oberzan. He graduated from West Mineral High School and attended Kansas State Teacher’s College, now Pittsburg State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Commerce. He enlisted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and served from 1950-1952. In the Army, he was a teacher and also served in the Pentagon.

Upon returning to Oswego, James worked at Glenn Berry Manufacturing where he was a plant manager. He was also employed at Crane Incorporated. He left and started a business with Arthur Goettel called Pettett Manufacturing in Miami, OK where he was a shareholder and Vice-President. After selling that business, he moved to Great Bend, KS for a short period and worked for the Sara Lee Corporation before retiring in 1996.

James was an accomplished organist, playing for many of the area churches, but most recently for St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Joplin, MO where he was a faithful member, attending church every morning. He could play anything on the keyboards by ear, and was also a virtuoso accordion musician. He was an avid lover of cars, and loved spending time building things and being a self-made carpenter in his spare time.

James married Ruby L. Oberzan on July 31, 1955 in Oswego. She preceded him in death on March 2, 1985.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, Paul E. Oberzan (2015), and infant Francis Oberzan (1962); one daughter, infant Pamela Oberzan (April 21, 1964); and two brothers, Edward Oberzan and Charles Oberzan.

Survivors include one son, Michael J. Oberzan of Joplin, MO; one daughter, Kathleen L. (Oberzan) Hutson (husband, Michael Hutson) of Derby, KS; three grandchildren, Aimee L. Oberzan, Cody L. Hutson, and Troy J. Hutson; and one great-granddaughter, Payten M. Hutson.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Joplin, MO. Private family burial will take place at Oswego Cemetery following the service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.