John Robert Oler

John Robert Oler was born on April 2, 1939 to Garnie Edwin Oler and Cecil Lea Monroe Oler in South Bend, Indiana. He had an older brother, Gerald (Jerry) Edwin Oler (deceased). This was the beginning of a life full of travel, adventure, family, and love. His family would instill in him the values of respect, family, loyalty, and hard work.

John is survived by 2 sons: John Robert Oler II (wife April) of Michigan, and James Edward Oler (wife Debbie) of Georgia, 2 step sons: John Pennala (wife Lynne) and Jeff Pennala (wife Robynne) both of California, his 7 Grandchildren: Sean (wife Dalisay), Breanna (husband Aaron), Michele, Matthew, John Robert III (wife Kaleigh), James Edward II, and Joshua, - as well as 4 Great Granddaughters: Aleena, Eleanor, Isabella, and Olivia.

John was VERY proud to be from South Bend, Indiana and he remained a loyal fan of Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish to the end. In early childhood, his dad moved the family to California, then briefly returned to Indiana before another job moved them to New Orleans. They once again returned to Indiana before moving permanently to California. In 1947 his father saw that he could provide a better life for his family on the West Coast. So - he bought a trailer and moved the family to a Trailer Park in North Hollywood and then Burbank, California. They stayed there while they built a house in La Tuna Canyon, a part of the San Fernando Valley.

He graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in 1957, where he was on the Gymnastics Team. He excelled on the rings, his best event. He went on to get his AA degree at Glendale College. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Dixie Lee (Pair) Oler from 1959 until 1972. They had 2 sons, John and Jim. After College he began a successful, 30-plus year career as an Electrical and Aerospace Engineer. He was very proud to have worked on the designing and building of the Minuteman missile silos. He also worked for Xerox, to help usher in the computer revolution, back when punch cards were used to input instructions and data. His last position was at Eemco in Glendale, California, where he worked for over 15 years.

John married Carol (Kelly) Ann Marr Oler on December 27, 1975 in Sylmar, California and a world of traveling adventures began! John was the Party Meister. His door and the bar were always open for fun, drinks, and hot-tubbing. He never met a stranger and would hand out poker chips with his address (to the Doda Ranch as they named their home) and the words “good for one free drink” on them. Being a fashion icon, always in his 1970’s tiny shorts and a T-shirt, until he upgraded to the customary Parrot Head Hawaiian shirt.

He loved travel and adventure, and on weekends they could be found “duning” in their sand rail in Dumont, or 4-wheeling in the Sierras in his trusty Chevy Blazer with their sons and their friends. At one point they purchased a camper, then a trailer, stepped up to a class C, and then a Motorhome! Their “palace on wheels” became known as the “Doda Inn.” Upon forced early retirement, John ingeniously decided to become an RV Technician through Mount San Antonio College. On their travels they discovered hundreds of hidden gems off the beaten path, all of which John videotaped. His mantra was "If it’s not on video, it didn’t happen." His sons now own HUNDREDS of videos to prove it!

John and Kelly downsized and sold “the ranch” in 1996. They moved to Hemet, California to be near his aging father and uncle who resided there. They moved to the Seven Hills community in 2004.

John lived his life to the fullest, and some of their favorite spots to park their RV for long quiet respites were on the beach in San Felipe Mexico and the Florida Keys. They traveled 8-9 months a year with faithful stops to see family in Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, and Florida. Always finding time to visit family and friends along the way, these so-called “visits” turned into events! He would blast the choo-choo train horn as the motor home “docked” in the driveway, and the fun would begin.

He was not a veteran but was very active in supporting veteran’s organizations—being a member of The Military Order of the Louse (VFW) and the Sons of the Legion. He was also involved in many fraternal organizations including Elks, Eagles, and Moose. He was also an active member of his Seven Hills community members club.

John’s soulmate, Kelly, passed away on August 29th, 2020. This affected him greatly.

John left this earthly life on February 15, 2025, while doing a jigsaw puzzle of course. He will be missed and always remembered by those that had the delight of calling him friend or family. Rest well now John. We will keep the party going from here. Do-Da, Do-Da.