Kenneth Ray Oberholtzer

Mr. Oberholtzer proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for Peabody Coal Co. at the River King Mine for 42 years and was the owner and manufacturer of Obie’s Tackle Co. in Belleville. He loved the outdoors: especially, fishing, camping, and traveling. He also enjoyed flying and was licensed to fly with an instructor. He was a past member of the Elks Lodge in Belleville and past Scout Master, for Troop 66. Another passion was photography of flowers and feeding the birds. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray A. and Lora L., nee Slinkard, Oberholtzer; and an uncle, Rex (Ruth) Slinkard.

Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia Oberholtzer, nee Boyle; his children, Alan (Suzanne) Oberholtzer, Sharon Ferguson; David (Laurie) Oberholtzer, and Karen Oberholtzer; grandchildren, Ian, Kaitlin, Stefan, Lauren, Kristine, Ashley, Jillian, and Evan; his brother, Charles (Dee) Oberholtzer; a nephew, James (Melissa) Oberholtzer; niece, Cristina Oberholtzer and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Belleville, Ill. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 18, 2013, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.