Michael Duane Oehler, 78, of Missouri Valley, passed away in the early hours of Dec. 22, 2023.
Michael was born on Sept. 30, 1945, to parents Michael John Oehler and Lucy Danberry Oehler in Mankato, Minn., the youngest child of three with his oldest sister Rosemary and his older brother Robert as siblings. Growing up on a farm, Michael went on to graduate from St. John’s University with a degree in mathematics, and at the age of 23, was drafted by the US Army to become an Airborne qualified Infantry officer. He led a platoon in the central highlands of Vietnam for a year with the 101st and 82nd Airborne units and successfully got his soldiers back home alive.
Post Army career, Michael returned to begin a successful restaurant franchise with his older brother Robert which lasted for thirty-six years until he retired at the age of 62. After the restaurant, he continued to work in the construction business, security guard at UNMC, and veteran service officer in Logan. He was passionate about helping Veterans and young kids, and his role as a local restaurateur gave him the opportunity to work with young kids and teach them responsibility on the job. As a veteran’s service officer, he guided Veterans with all of their needs and questions. In the beginning days of opening the first restaurant in Onawa, a young college student from California applied to be a waitress by the name of Patricia Kirby which culminated in a marriage that would last 51 years. Together, Michael and Patricia raised three children: Thomas, Teresa and Michael Jr.
Michael enjoyed playing poker with his friends, attending Nebraska football and Creighton basketball games with his family, hunting, fishing, and reading. Charmingly easy going, funny and very bright, Michael was an excellent husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and friend, and he was also generously involved with his local Catholic parish of St. Patrick’s.
Remaining to remember him with fond memories are his wife Patricia Oehler; son, Thomas (Jaymie) Oehler; daughter, Teresa (JT) Montgomery; his son Michael S. Oehler; and his four grandchildren, Michael D. Oehler, Nathan Oehler, Ethan Montgomery, and Avery Montgomery.
He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Lucy Oehler, his brother Robert and his oldest sister Rosemary.
He was an active member in the community and belonged to Lions Club, St. Patrick’s Board of Education, American Legion, as well as the local food pantry.
Memorial donations in Michael’s name can be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or Harrison County Food Pantry.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
