Thursday, April 10, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving wife Marie, his brother Chris, and other family members, Paul, affectionately known as “Skip” departed this life and entered into a life of immortality.
Skip was born in Ravenna, Ohio to the late Paul and Wanda Oberholtzer. The family relocated to Maple Valley Washington, when Skip was just a youngster, before settling at Lopes Island Washington State. The family lived on a dairy farm and Paul would often relay what it was like growing up on the farm and the hard work that went into living on a dairy farm. He would often talk about the food they ate and the fresh bread his Mom, Wanda would bake.
Skip attended Lopez Public Schools and graduated in 1976. He was very athletic and attended Skajit Community College where he played soccer, basketball and other sports. After developing a case of “wander lust” and wanting to see how the other world lived outside of Lopez Island and the dairy farm, Paul relocated to Costa Mesa, California. While there, Paul worked a variety of jobs, but his passion was carpentry and building things. He eventually became a licensed contractor.
Skip gave his life to Christ while living in California, where he met the love of his life Marie. They were married in 1992, and relocated to Eau Claire, MI. where they became active members at New Bethel Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Milton P. McAfee. Skip faithfully added his carpentry skills to the church by assisting in repairs and other projects deemed necessary.
Skip was a very private and unassuming man. He loved his family and had a special bond with his late father-in-law, Reverend Milton P. McAfee. No matter what hour of the day or night, if Jack called him, he came to the rescue as quickly as possible and would not only attend to but fix whatever the problem was.
Skip was known for his culinary skills, especially his smoked turkey. He and his late brother-in-law Buck would proudly furnish the turkey and the brisket. The children loved spending nights with Uncle Skip/Minister Skip and Aunt Marie. They would wake up to pancakes made their way, Mickey Mouse or whatever character they wanted, Skip would make it for them.
Skip will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife Marie, daughters Cortney Oberholtzer of Washington State; and Mercedes Oberholtzer, Benton Harbor, MI: his granddaughter Hendrix Felix, and his grandson, Hayden; Brother Chris Oberholtzer of Corpus Christi, TX.; His mother-in-law, Pearlie Cole McAfee; Eau Claire, MI. Sister-in-laws; Alzeni Crumble, Jackie (Clarenc) Hart, and Vera Holmes, Benton Harbor, MI: and Jannie Kiser, Eau Claire, MI. Brother-in-laws, Donald C, McAfee (Denise), Benton Harbor MI. and Steve McAfee of Eau Claire, MI. A host of nieces and nephews are left to mourn his passing yet never to be forgotten. His Step-Mother Trudy Oberholtzer of Corpus Christi, TX; His Step-Father, Clifton Hill, Homer, Alaska, and a Sister-in-Law, Stephanie Oberholtzer of Galveston, TX. His adopted daughters, Nakita (Lawrence) Mitchell of Sodus, MI. and Kayla (Issac) Ruiz of Eau Claire, MI.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents Paul Oberholtzer and his mother Wanda Hill; his brother Steve Oberholtzer, and his sister-in-law Gloria Oberholtzer.
In addition, Skip was preceded in death by his Father in-law, Pastor Milton P. McAfee; Brothers-in-laws, Kelvin Cornelis and his wife, Doris Jean Cornelius; Lenon “Buck” McAfee and his wife Gwendolyn.
Services
VISITATION
Saturday
April 19, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
New Bethel (Milton P. McAfee Campus)
121 Kline Street
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
April 19, 2025
11:00 AM
New Bethel (Milton P. McAfee Campus)
121 Kline Street
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
INTERMENT FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
April 19, 2025
Shanghai Memorial Cemetery
4391 S. Park Rd.
Eau Clarie, MI 49111
Posted On: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 2:40 PM
