James “Jim” “Bud” Marion Oberembt
On the evening of May 18, 2014, Jim passed away at St. Peters Hospital in Helena, MT from post-operative complications following cancer surgery. Jim was surrounded by his family, having spent the afternoon reminiscing and viewing family photos. He was 92.
Jim was born at home in a farmhouse near Parkston, SD on October 13, 1921. He was the third child and first son born to Jacob and Myrtle (Anderson) Oberembt. He was baptized into the Catholic Church on October 30, 1921 and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his entire life. Jim grew up on the family farm in Midland, SD where he graduated from high school in 1939. Jim lost his mother to cancer at age 15 and assumed many family responsibilities in addition to his schoolwork. As a young man, Jim helped his entrepreneurial father operate several businesses, including a gas station, Gamble’s hardware store and a company dedicated to installing wind chargers, devices invented to convert wind energy into battery stored electricity. Jim took great pride in bringing electricity to rural areas all over South Dakota and Montana.
On February 12, 1944 Jim married his high school sweetheart, Shila Jerrene Ellis, in Liberal, KS. Together they raised three children. They were divorced in 1979.
In 1943 Jim entered the Army to serve his country during World War II. Joining the Army Air Corps in 1944, he became a 2nd lieutenant in the 8th Air Force. As first pilot, he flew a B24 in eighteen missions over Germany. He was awarded a second Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Medal for “meritorious achievement in missions over enemy occupied continental Europe” along with the Theatre Ribbon with 2 battle stars. Jim was an excellent leader and is highly spoken of by his crew.
After the war, Jim worked as an electrician in Vermillion, SD while pursuing his education at the University of South Dakota. Following graduation in May of 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration he moved his family to Great Falls, MT. He became a Certified Public Accountant working for Douglas Wilson and Company, subsequently assuming a Revenue Agent’s position with the Internal Revenue Service. He transferred to Helena, MT in 1955 advancing his career with the IRS until retiring in 1986 after 33 years of service.
Jim loved to hunt and fish with his father and brother in his younger days. Jim was an accomplished dancer. He and his wife pursued ballroom dancing during their leisure hours. He loved to jitterbug and performed the tango in a play, “Lolita”, at the Old Brewery Theater. Later in life Jim enjoyed square dancing with partner Lenora McGuire. Jim loved to play cards, any kind of card game, any time, with anyone who would play. Bridge, Pinochle and 13 were favorites. He acquired many Master Bridge Points. After his retirement he spent several years traveling with his energetic friend and companion, Roxanne Wedgewood. Jim was well known for his sweet tooth and late night cookies-n-milk; he has always appreciated both giving and getting a variety of cookies and candies. He was also a member of the Elks.
Jim was a devoted family man and supported his children in their activities as well as providing for their education, both private catholic school and university degrees. As his children left home, he continued to devote his time and attention to their family needs including everything from auto maintenance, to home improvement projects, to installing many electrical outlets and light fixtures, although he always said “I don’t do guaranteed work.” He used his professional expertise gratuitously preparing many tax returns for family and friends. He enjoyed frequent weekends visiting his sister and her family in Lincoln, MT. He was very attentive to his grandchildren, regularly visiting, providing child care, playing games, preparing favorite dinners and always remembering special occasions. Even friends of his grandchildren remember hanging out at Grandpa’s house after school. He continued to be engaged in the lives of his family even as his health eventually declined. After his condition became debilitating he moved into the Touchmark assisted living facility in 2006. There he continued to host card games for visiting family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles (Lynn), and sisters, Marge Stroppel (Galo), Dorothy Heximer (Robert), and Theresa Robinson (Guy).
Jim is survived by daughters Marcia Massa (Larry) of Bellflower, CA, and Anita Teichrow (Terry); and son Jim Oberembt (Colleen Coulter) of Helena; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Family condolences may be sent to 1926 Virginia Dale St, Helena, MT 59601. Personal comments may be posted at aswfuneralhome.com
The family wishes to thank many people for their concern and caring for their father and grandfather including the nurses and staff at Touchmark, the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Care Center, the staff of Hospice of St Peter’s and all the medical professionals who have had a hand in helping his many years be as healthy and comfortable as possible. Son Jim must be mentioned in particular for his devotion to caring for our dad, grandfather and great grandfather over the last several years.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home and also beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Vigil to be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 26, 2014 at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. A reception will be held in the social center of the church immediately following the burial. Memorials can be made to the Cancer Treatment Center in care of St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday May 25, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Monday May 26, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 27, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday May 27, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediatley following the burial
Tuesday May 27, 2014
Social Center of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday May 25, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Monday May 26, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 27, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday May 27, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediatley following the burial
Tuesday May 27, 2014
Social Center of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
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rita krushensky says
I was blessed to come to know Jim, while living at Touchmark. He had a kind word of encouragement whenever we happened by his apartment or in the dining room. It was my privilege to minister to him with the Eucharist and prayer.
Jo Maierle Smallwood says
I remember Mr. Oberembt as a kind, quiet and gentle man who was the father of my good friend, Marcia. I believe that the true measure of a man is seen in the character of his children. Having known Marcia for many years, I can attest to the marvelous qualities of this fine man as reflected through his daughter. He will be greatly missed.
Butch Oberembt says
Anita, Marsha, and Jimmy Mike,
My heart felt condolences for your families, I remember all the great times we all had as kids when the clan got together and of the times that your dad would come to visit and would bring us silver dollars. The last time I got to see Uncle Bud was when we all got together for the reunion in Dubuque and now I will cherish that memory for all times. you will all be in my prayers and thoughts.
John Gilligan says
Dear Family:
Sending you all of our wishes, love and support during the loss of your father. You are and continue to be in our prayers. We love you!
Lee Kruszewski says
As a crew member with Jim Oberembt during WWII I can say that he was truy a hero. When we were bombing an airfield in Essen, we got a direct hit and while on fire Jim ordered us all to bail while he stayed so that we could survive. He kept his calm and we all can be thankful. He was one in a million!