Vernon G. Oelschlaeger

Vernon G Oelschlaeger, 94, was born January 30, 1929, to Charles and Essie (Pouppirt) in Lawrence, KS. He passed away June 30 at Baldwin Healthcare Facility & has been interred at Memorial Park Cemetery

Vernon grew up on the family farm near Linwood, KS. While working very hard as a young man on the farm he graduated from Linwood High School in 1946. He married a classmate, Edith Douglas, on March 5, 1949.

Vernon was a get it done kind of guy. There was no task he couldn’t master. He worked hard & played hard when he had the opportunity. He enjoyed motorcycles, boats, water skiing, sports, go carts & roller skating.  He last skated with his family when he was in his early 80’s. He was quite a daredevil & a very lucky one, thankfully. We had a fun loving, ornery talking pet crow, Charley, for many years. Charley had quite a neighborhood fan club. Vernon was very proud about building his & Edith’s family home and helping his kids do the same in their adulthood.

Vernon worked at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant & left there for Co-op (CFCA) where he retired at age 40. He & Edith then owned & operated The Lawrence Skate Center until 1979 when they converted the rink into a country western nightclub, naming it Shiloh. Shiloh seated over 500 people, had the largest wood dance floor in the surrounding area & hosted several Nashville stars. Many local bands performed there as well.

Vernon will be missed by his surviving daughter, Verna Kay Downing, his granddaughter, Eryn Downing-Ridinger (Justin) and great-grandsons, Camden & Trenton. Other family members include Larry Oelschlaeger, Lydia Leon and family, Ashley Oelschlaeger and family, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, his parents, son-in-law Clifford Downing, sister Maxine Coker, brothers Paul and Melvin.

Celebration of life to be held at a later time.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Vernon’s name to Lawrence Humane Society or Wounded Warriors and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.