Lorena Mae Oblander

Lorena Mae Oblander (Nichols), 83, of Redmond, Washington, passed away on June 4, 2025.

Born on January 31, 1942, in Eureka, Kansas, Lorena was the daughter of Lloyd and Dorothy (Snider) Nichols. She graduated as valedictorian from Tonovay High School in 1960 and went on to earn her education degree from Emporia State Teachers College in 1966.

On September 2, 1962, Lorena married Donald Gene Oblander, the son of Pauline (Conyers) and Levi Oblander of Eureka, Kansas. They built a life together filled with love, travel, and service. Their journey took them across the country as Don pursued his work with the Boy Scouts of America, living in cities including Mason City, IA; Waterloo, IA; Fairview Heights, IL; St. Charles, IL; Sioux City, IA; and finally, Flower Mound, TX. During their moves, Lorena worked in various teaching positions, including at Assumption High School in East St. Louis, Gem City College in Quincy, IL, and at Sioux City Middle and East High Schools.

Lorena was a dedicated member of P.E.O., Bear Creek United Methodist Church, and the Trilogy Children’s Hospital Guild. Her passion for fly fishing and travel was a special bond she shared with Don, often blending his work trips with their shared love for fly fishing.

In retirement, Lorena continued her adventures with the Trilogy Travel Club, embarking on numerous trips across Europe, Canada, Australia, Africa, and Asia.

Throughout her life, Lorena was deeply committed to serving others, offering steadfast love and support to her family and friends. She maintained homes in both Minnesota and Washington to stay closely connected with her grandchildren, always celebrating their milestones and achievements. Her pride in them was unmatched, and she rarely missed a birthday or important event.

Lorena will be remembered for her kindness, her love of nature, and her lifelong passion for learning. Her stories and the memories she shared enriched the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Scott Oblander (Margie) of Snohomish, WA, and Chad Oblander (Melisa) of Andover, MN; her brother, Lonnie Nichols (Melinda) of Eureka, KS; her grandchildren, Matthew, Amy, Madeline, and Nicholas Oblander; and her nephews and niece, Kyle Nichols (Stacie) of El Dorado, KS, Kent Nichols (Emily) of Hesston, KS, and Kelsey Nichols of Wichita, KS.

Lorena was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 40 years, Donald Oblander; her parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Nichols of Eureka; and her sister, Janice Nichols of Kansas City.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eureka, Kansas, on July 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Pastor Linda Pope will officiate. The service will be followed by a graveside ceremony and a reception. Inurnment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to P.E.O. at https://www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/#donate (Please select Chapter HR when using the link) or sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.