- MILDRED W. OBERLANDER
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mildred Winders Oberlander on February 11, 2014. She was the beloved wife of the late Fred D. Oberlander and daughter of Basil B. Winders and Gladys Kellogg Winders of Montour IA. Born in Marshalltown, IA on October 2, 1921, she was a remarkable woman, starting off in a one-room school house and graduating from Tama High School. She graduated from Business College in Des Moines, and then worked as a secretary for three years. During World War II, she joined the WAVES, was posted in Washington D.C. and became a Chief Communications Specialist, monitoring German submarine transmissions. Using the GI Bill, Mildred earned her bachelor's degree in business from George Washington University and became secretary to the WACS former Deputy Director, who was the granddaughter of J.P. Morgan.
Looking for adventure, Mildred went to work at Gates Rubber in Denver doing personnel research. There she met and married her boss, Fred Oberlander. Deciding that California was the place for them, they settled in Torrance. Fred, a psychologist, was consultant in personnel management, and Mildred combined her career in personnel management with the responsibilities of raising two sons and a daughter. After thirty-two years, Mil retired as the manager of employee benefits for Hughes, and Fred retired as an administrative law judge. She definitely had moxie!
She will be remembered as remarkable woman, way ahead of her times; organized, efficient and a great counselor and confidant. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, excellent cook, avid gardener and seasoned traveler.
Mil was preceded in death by her husband Fred in 1996, sister Constance Winders Severson, (Wayne and daughter Dana) of Blue Springs, MO, son David Oberlander of Irvine, CA and daughter-in-law Paulette Oberlander of Ogden, UT.
She is survived by sister Jean Hanus of Marshalltown, IA; son Joseph E. Oberlander of Ogden, UT, daughter Sharon Oberlander Novell (Bob) of Arcadia, CA and daughter-in-law Cynthia Oberlander of Irvine, CA.
She leaves six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Jennifer Novell Alvarado (Neil) of CO, Dave Oberlander (Genevieve) of AZ, Kelly Novell of CA, Joseph G. Oberlander (Beth) of IL, Stephen Oberlander of CA, and Michael Oberlander of PA. Great Grandchildren: Cole & Benjamin Alvarado of CO, Kyra & Liam Oberlander of AZ.
Nieces and nephews: Suzanne Oberlaender and Jacqueline Oberlaender Gish (David) of CA, Franklin Oberlaender of Berlin, Germany, Christina (Jenna) Hanus Hiratzka (Paul) and Linda Hanus Tiehen (Phil) of CO; Russ Hanus (Sherrie) and Barbara Hanus of TX.
Interment for Mildred & Fred at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO: June 13, 2014 10:30 a.m.
In celebration of her life and love of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions for a tree dedicated in her name can be sent to the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, c/o Brittany Fabeck at 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007.
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1921 - 2014 (92 years)
