Ronald Louis Oler

Ronald L. Oler passed away on March 25, 2018 at his home in Olathe, KS.

Ron was born on September 30, 1946 in Casper, WY to James and Shirley Oler. After graduating from Natrona County High School in 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Machinist's Mate, completed Nuclear Power School, and became a formidable pinochle player.

He met Elizabeth Kogen while stationed in San Francisco. They married in 1969 and raised their three children in Casper, WY, and Colorado Springs, CO, before retiring to Kansas. Ron was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for nearly three decades, then worked as a cable locator in the Kansas City metro area.

Ron was a sports fan and a fierce fantasy baseball player. He coached youth baseball for several years, and could always be found cheering in the stands -- and giving the referees a hard time -- at the baseball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer games of his children and grandchildren. He was also equally dedicated to being in the audience for choir and band performances, theatrical productions, and academic competitions.

Ron and Liz were avid collectors of pop culture memorabilia, and they frequently traveled to sci-fi conventions. Ron loved road trips, and he delighted in tormenting his family by singing "On the Road Again" during long drives around the country. (He was known for his sense of humor, too.)

Ron was always ready to share a great story, a piece of trivia, or some hard-won advice. He was a mentor to co-workers and was a generous caretaker for family, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Liz.

He is survived by his son Jon Oler and wife Cristina Gonzalez of Roeland Park, KS; his daughter Constance Oler of Las Vegas, NV; his daughter Tammy Oler and partner Ehren Gresehover of Brooklyn, NY; his grandchildren Tyler, Madison, Reece, Abigail, and Ella; his great-granddaughter Olivia; and his brother Jimmie Oler and his sisters Meigen (Oler) Carlson and Pam (Van Horn) Hans. Ron is loved and greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to join a memorial service on Saturday, April 14th at 11 am at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home; visitation preceding at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Planned Parenthood or the American Heart Association.


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