Karl A. Oldag

Karl Arthur Oldag, 88, passed away February 6th, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born from humble beginnings on May 30th ,1937 in Buffalo, New York, Karl lived his life to the fullest and brought his love for life to everyone who knew him.

After graduating from Williamsville High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman on the USS Tulare in San Diego California. He went on to get his bachelor’s degree from State University of New York Buffalo in 1963 and his master’s degree in psychology from Bucknell University.

In 1965, Karl married Joan McKeeby, whom he had met during college. They were married for 17 years and together raised a son and three daughters – Jon, Sarah, Jennifer and Elizabeth.

Karl went on to serve as Dean of Men at Albion College, in Michigan, prior to becoming Dean of Students at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. A place that would become his forever home.

Upon leaving the education sector, he had an incredible and long-lasting career as vice-president of sales for several organizations that provided services to colleges, universities and hospitals until his retirement.

Above all else, Karl loved people. His life is a reflection of the love he carried for everyone and anyone, he knew no stranger. He loved to connect with people and it showed in everything he did.

From helping students at Otterbein navigate their way to their next step in life to helping a soldier get home to their family after deployment, he did whatever he could to give back to the community. Even those who had just met him felt as though they had been friends for years.

He found endless joy in small moments like being the neighbor with the popsicles for kids, watching the Buckeyes play, or his never-ending pursuit of the perfect golf game at Little Turtle, Medallion and Jefferson golf clubs in central Ohio.

Later in life, Karl found a life-long and loving partner in his wife, Valerie. The love they shared brought great joy and happiness to him. With Valerie, Karl enjoyed all the things life has to offer after giving so much to so many people. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, travelling and just being together.

There was no end to the love Karl felt for his country, his family, his friends and Neil Diamond. He will be greatly missed.

Karl is preceded in death by his father and mother, Hans and Mary Oldag, his siblings-Hans, Mary Ann and Margaret. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 26 years, Valerie as well as his children – Jon Oldag (Sarah), Sarah Delaney (Sean), Jennifer Arnold, and Elizabeth West (Shane), seven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by three stepdaughters – Lori Wentzel (Rick), Holli Langford (Mitch) and Leslee Isern (Jaime), and nine step-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, with Karl's memorial service beginning at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Karl’s name to Capital City Hospice, St. Jude’s, or any charity of your choosing.