Obituary
David, child of genocide, was born in Turka, Poland on July 12, 1923. He was the youngest of seven children of Yehuda and Esther Oberlander. David lived with his family in Yavora, Poland, until 1941. He and his brother Paul, ten years his elder, were the only family members to survive the Holocaust. David credited Paul for saving his life. David’s escape odyssey included dangerous transports and hiding in various towns in Poland, often with Paul, Paul’s wife Sally and their young son Mark.
After the war, David made his way to Munich, where he secured an apartment. He stayed there until 1949 when he received exit papers to emigrate to the United States. While in Munich David met and took a romantic interest in Evelyn, whom he described as the life of the party in the displaced persons camp where she stayed with family. David wrote Evelyn a stream of love letters after she arrived in New York and thus began their lifelong relationship. They married in 1950. David leaves a legacy to his children and grandchildren, all advocates for freedom and justice globally.
Private service. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Jewish Federation of Chicago or Amnesty International. For information including a link to view the service or to leave condolences, Shalom Memorial Funeral Home (847) 255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org.
Service Information
Service : Friday, August 21st at 10:00 am
Service Location: Private Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand RoadArlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
August 24th, 2020
I am reading this Obituary and imagining you Marcia as very much your mothers daughter — “the life of the party”. You have brought in every way so much life to many ‘parties’ in only the short time that we have known each other. You, Marcia have helped me find life and friendship and a lot of feelings during this COVID-19. It is very special. Although I have never met David Oberlander of Northbrook, IL via Turka, Poland the husband, father, grandfather, friend… I am sure that much of his spirit is carried by many. It takes so much strength to live and to carry life and survival in the heart. From what you write and from what I have learned about the family that is rooted by David, his spirit moves forward for life and for living. May you all find love and support and warmth at this moment. With Love, Rachael
~Rachael Kaplan
~Friend of Marcia, New York
August 23rd, 2020
I did not know David personally but I know some of his beautiful family- Marcia and Ross, and Camille and Andre. I know him through their stories – that he loved them deeply and that they were the most important thing in the world to him. I know how proud he was of them and how devoted. I know of his courage- he was a survivor and a fighter- brave and resilient and tenacious. I know that he leaves a legacy of love and devotion and and that his memory and his values will live on in his magnificent family.
With my deep condolences,
Barbara Vahlkamp
~Barbara Vahlkamp
~Friend of the family, Highland Park, IL
August 21st, 2020
To David’s lovely wife Evelyn and family,
Even though we can not be there to be a shoulder to lean on and help to say goodbye to David, please know we hold you dear to our hearts in warmth and light. May his memory help you through the days and months ahead.
All our love, Charmaine, Walter and April
~Charmaine JOHNSON
~Sister in law to Jeffrey, GURNEE
Guest Book and Memories
Memorial Yahrzeit Request
You will receive an annual yahrzeit reminder and the associated prayers in an email year.
"*" indicates required fields