Darlene Dora Oelschlager

Darlene Oelschlager, a long time resident of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka after a sudden illness. Darlene was born January 20, 1929, in Ramona, KS. She was the only child of Clemens and Alma Wangerin of Topeka. A graduate of Topeka High School, she married Jesse Mathews. During her life-time, Darlene worked in a variety of secretarial positions in Topeka. At the time of her death she was employed as a receptionist by Midwest Hearing Aids of Topeka.

In 1978 she married Elmer Oelschlager of Wichita, KS, and added 5 additional children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While living in Wichita she was employed by Copeland Corporation. At that time, both Elmer and Darlene were members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and actively participated with the Lutheran Laymen's League.

After retirement, Darlene and Elmer returned to Topeka where they were members of Faith Lutheran Church and participated with the Lutheran Laymen's League. Darlene was also an active participant with the Miriam Circle of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League.

As she was growing up Darlene always considered herself a tomboy. She was especially involved with fast-pitch softball as well as numerous bowling leagues and tournaments. In many of these leagues she held various offices and was also secretary for the Topeka Women's Bowling Association for several years. She raised her children with a love for the sport of bowling and served as a youth bowling coach for several years at Southwest Bowl in Topeka.

She is survived by her three children, son Craig (Eunice) Mathews of Bradenton, FL.; and son Aaron (Jen) Mathews, children Carly, Chance and Camden; son Joel (Michelle) Mathews, children Reagan and McKinley; and son Caleb (Emily) Mathews; son Kent (Nita) Mathews of Woodland Park, CO., and their daughters Jackie Mathews and Tina Mathews, and daughter Sandy (Doug) Chitwood of Topeka, KS., and their daughter Marla Keown; son Greg (Samantha) Chitwood, children Ansley and Alex; daughter Stephanie (Adam) Koloff, daughter Bailee; and daughters Lexi Chitwood and Trina Chitwood; step-daughter Beverly (Chuck) Johnson of Valley Center, KS., step-son Dennis (Bonnie) Oelschlager of Phoenix, AZ., as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Clemens and Alma Wangerin, her first husband Jesse Mathews, her second husband Elmer Oelschlager, step-son Larry Oelschlager, step-son Bruce Oelschlager, and step-daughter and Sandy Wilson.

A memorial service will be conducted at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jim Bender officiating. Visitation will be held after services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lutheran Laymen's League, Lutheran Women's Missionary Society, Topeka Lutheran School or Faith Lutheran Church of Topeka, KS.