Florence "Jean" Oblander (Peters) died September 17, 2022 at Salem Home, Hillsboro. She was born September 20, 1926 in Goessel, to George & Ruth (Schroeder) Peters.
She attended her 1st grade of school at the 1-room schoolhouse, Geis School, where she was taught by her Uncle Ted Peters and quickly became "teacher's pet." She then spent her next 11 years at Durham, graduating in 1944. She attended Emporia State College, receiving her temporary teacher's certificate and taught for two years at the 1-room schoolhouse, Pleasant Valley, west of Durham.
While attending school in Durham, she met the love of her life, Virgil Oblander, marrying him on Sept 1, 1946. They moved to Virgil's parents farm after his parents moved to Durham. On June 18, 1950, they welcomed their first child, Burt; followed by Wendy, on Aug 4, 1952; quickly followed by Gene, on Oct 11, 1953; and Kim, on Nov 21, 1954.
Mom worked (hard) raising her kids. She also worked, after the kids all left home, as a cook at Shiloh Manor in Canton. As a member of the Lutheran church, she spent countless hours volunteering for whatever was asked of her, including serving as a Sunday School teacher, cooking for countless funerals and events, and taking on the president role of the Durham Trinity Lutheran LWML. Although she still volunteered, she retired in 1991, when she and Virgil moved to Newton. They moved back to Hillsboro to care for Jean's mom, Ruth. They resided in Hillsboro until Virgil died in 2015, after which Jean moved to an apartment in Hillsboro and kept busy making her wonderful meals which were always appreciated (and quickly devoured!) by her family. In August 2022, she suffered a fall and moved to Salem Home where she received wonderful care but passed away from congestive heart failure three days before her 96th birthday.
She was a wonderful mother, grandma, aunt, sister, and friend. She was an amazing cook (we are thankful to have her recipes), a beautiful and strong woman, always happy, extremely sharp, and always ready for a long conversation.
She is survived by her son, Burt Oblander, Newton; daughter, Wendy (Peter) Daniel, Beckenham, England; son, Gene (Janine) Oblander, Greeley, CO; daughter, Kim (Jonas) Frantz, Tampa; and sister, Judi Dunn, Salina. Also, grandson, Chris Oblander, and granddaughters, Julie Oblander (who she shared a special bond with), April Zink, Rachel Daniel, and Sarah Daniel, and six great-grandchildren: Dalis, Haley, Harlee, Isaac, Kamin, and Jason. She was predeceased by her husband, Virgil; and her sister, Georgia Medley.
Graveside Service at Durham Park Cemetery 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022 rural Durham. Family will have a private Celebration of Life service to honor Jean's life.