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Gary R. Oyler
Topeka - Gary Robert Oyler, 76, of Topeka, died in the arms of his savior Jesus Christ on June 11, 2021.
Gary was born on July 7, 1944 in Clarinda, Iowa to Robert and Dorothy Oyler.
Gary retired from the Topeka Fire Department and later worked at Capitol Federal Bank. Gary graduated from Topeka Lutheran School, Roosevelt Junior High, and Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. Gary was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and Local 83
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Gary was predeceased by his parents, his brother Mike Oyler and sister Karen Oyler Lenz.
Gary is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughters Mary (Jerry) Berger and Natalie Oyler, granddaughter Misty Perry, grandson Mark Perry, and great-grandchildren Chance Perry and Willow Perry.
Memorials can be made to Topeka Lutheran School or St. John's Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home Penwell Gabel, 1321 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66604.
Interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Services will be at 11:00 on June 17, 2021 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore, Topeka, KS.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
Published in Topeka Capital-Journal from Jun. 12 to Jun. 13, 2021.
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Ralph Sandmeyer (Sandmeyer)
Gary is a good person and was a great team mate on the Roosevelt Rough Riders. He was also the state champion as a heavyweight wrestler at Topeka High. Rest in peace.You will be missed.Raymond E. Briggs
I was saddened to hear of Gary's passing. A few of my memories revolve around Gary. I recall his fasting on wrestling days to insure his weight didn't exceed what was apparently his stated weight class. I also recall being his sparing dummy in some of his practice sessions. My condolences to his family, I sure that he will be missed by all.(Yes "Dummy" was the correct term, as I had little knowledge of wrestling beyond what he taught me.)
Bill Reed
Friedly, quiet, steady and a hearty laugh - I remember Gary fondly. His special stance when approaching a foe when wrestly - shoulders up around his neck, arms nearly straigh and quivering hands. He was a nice person RIP Fireman.
Richard (Dick) Gibson
As many have mentioned, I too was privileged to have known Gary Oyler at Roosevelt J H.
I remember at THS one year Gary and I, for an hour a day, were the hall proctors at the end of the hall where the smoking room was. Our job was to keep people from skipping out of school by going through the smoking room and out those hall doors to the outside. You can bet with Gary there no one got out those doors on our watch.
What a crummy job you say? Not for Gary and I. We thought it was fun and sure beat sitting in study hall for an hour every day.
God Bless Gary Oyler........
Ray H. Killam
I am saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great teammate on the THS wrestling and football teams, with his winning ways and always positive attitude.
RIP, Gary.
William T. Fader
I knew Gary through being in the same Boy Scout Troop for several years as well as being in school with him - so very sorry to hear of his passing and our condolences to his family - as Bill Reed says, RIP Fireman.
Diann R. Edwards (Arbuthnot)
Always sad to hear of one of my classmates passing. Went to THS with Gary and we did know each other as classmates, however, we never really socialized. Rest in peace Gary and my prayers to your family.
Dennis J. Eskie
I met Gary when I started Lutheran School in the 4th grade. His family was my second home. Gary and I had multiple adventures together throughout our grade school and junior high years together. Raymond Briggs talked about being the "dummy" when wrestling with Gary in high school. I was his first "dummy" as he and I were always wrestling in our grade school years. I can't remember ever winning as he was a fierce competitor. Gary was a good person, and I am sure he will be one of God's special angels. May God bless his family and give them comfort. Rest in Pease my friend.
Joel C. Lawson
I am sadden to hear of Gary's illness and passing.
His drive and determination made him a great player and inspiration for his teanmates.
He will be missed.
Edward D. (Ed) Shaffer
Gary Oyler lived his life as a man among men. He was a soft-spoken and selfless person, who allowed others to come first. If you knew Gary, you would understand his sense of fairness—his honest and factual dealings with others. I first met Gary in 1954 when we both attended the Topeka Lutheran School on Roosevelt Street. During our formative years through 1958, we enjoyed many great times together along with his other good friends, Dennis Eskie, Wayne Sloyer, and John Lambert—all of whom attended Topeka High School. Gary was a championship wrestler, an excellent football player, and held his own on the basketball court. He pursued the dangerous profession of firefighter and escaped many close calls while dealing with human tragedies. Gary was a friend of mine and I will miss him dearly.