Lawrence Francis Oberle

Our hero fought his final battle, Lawrence “Larry” Oberle was sent with great love on his final journey home on February 4, 2018. Larry was born April 27, 1949 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the oldest son of the late Lawrence and Rose (Sauro) Oberle. He was a 1967 graduate of Sault High School. After graduation Larry enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars for Bravery, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and the Army Commendation Medal. After serving in Vietnam Larry joined the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department, after 29 years of service he retired as a Fire Captain in 2001. In 2001 Larry also retired from the 1437th Company Army National Guard as a Staff Sergeant, serving proudly for 23 years. He was a proud lifetime member of the VFW and Christopher Columbus Hall, as well as a member of the American Legion. Larry’s great love was hockey. He played the game for 36 years as a goalie. There was nothing he loved more than being on the ice. His love of hockey, the Detroit Red Wings, football, his University of Michigan Wolverines! Go Blue! and Detroit Lions has been passed down to his children and grandchildren. When he hung up his pads and skates, bowling and golf became a great source of enjoyment for him and the friends he enjoyed it with. Larry’s greatest legacy will be his marriage to Leean (Trbovich) Oberle, who he married May 28, 1982, and the family they created in their almost 36 years together. Larry is survived by the love of his life Leean, five sons, John (Marlene) Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Craig Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Robert (Amanda) Oberle of Warner Robbins, Georgia, Danny (Lisa) Seppala of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, David (David (Debbie) Seppala of Dafter, Michigan, and his only daughter Mary-Beth Seppala of Weatherford, Texas. His proudest and greatest role in life was being a grandfather of 12. He was loved and adored by; Elaine and Tommy-John Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Jessica and Danielle Boucher of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, Kiah Seppala of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, Maleigha Seppala of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Coralee Seppala of Dafter, Michigan, T.J. Hurley of Batchewana, Ontario Canada, David-Michael (Dominique) Seppala of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Sage, Danika, and Taryn Stoppa of Weatherford, Texas. He was a great grandfather of 3 and a devoted and much loved brother of JoAnne (Jim) Collins of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Ken (Pam) Oberle of Parrish, Florida, Donna (Mike) Rogers of New Mexico, David (Jeane) Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Mark Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Much loved brother in law of Bill (Carolynne) Trbovich of Toronto, Canada, Patricia (John) Worgan of Ottawa, Canada. Loved nephew of Tom and Theresa Stevens, Gloria Weaver, Pauline Sauro, Jean Sauro, and Deloris Pocarro all of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. A cousin to many, and an adored uncle to many nieces and nephews. Larry also leaves behind his very devoted and loyal friends Bob Oliver, Dick Remillard, Dan Remillard, Jim Mongene of Tennessee and his cousin Tommy Stevens. At his side through thick and thin Larry leaves his 3 fur babies Chip, Baby, and his beloved Cowboy to hold the fort down. His 3 Amigos gave him great joy and comfort the last several years. Words cannot express how deeply we loved and cherished this amazing man and the legacy he has left us. Our family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Kristi, his hospice nurse, Jay Welch, his lifelong friend for the spiritual guidance and all the friends of Larry’s who stopped by just to talk. It meant the world to him. Our family would also like to thank Richard Beggs, Donna Parker, and the staff of R&K Café, Weatherford, Texas and Hudson Oaks, Texas for allowing Larry’s daughter and grandchildren the time to be with him. He was so grateful. Visitation will be on Thursday February 8, 2018 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday February 9, 2018 at 10:00am at St. Mary’s ProCathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with Brother John Hascall officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in the spring. The family has requested that donations be made in Larry’s name to causes closest to his heart. The Chippewa County Animal Shelter/Best of Friends Humane Society and St. Mary’s Elementary School. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com

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Lawrence Francis Oberle

April 27, 1949 - February 4, 2018