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Oley Wanaselja, 93, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 7-8.

Oley Wanaselja was born May 31, 1923 on Staten Island, New York, the son of Isak and Helene (Kaups) Wanaselja. He was devoted to the Lord, his family, his community and his country, sharing his faith wherever he could.

Oley is survived by his beloved wife, Lulu, and his five children and their spouses: Linda Wanaselja, of Ephrata, PA; Larry and Phyllis Wanaselja, of Milton, DE; Lee Wanaselja, of Ocean Grove, NJ: Lois and Tom Jackson, of Harare, Zimbabwe: Lula and Larry Filbert, of Lancaster, PA: and daughter-in-law Barbara Wanaselja, of East Meadow, NY. He is also survived by his niece, Barbara (Martens) and Ron Rotelli, of Canyon Country, CA, who lived with the family for 12 years. Oley's family has expanded through the generations to include 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Oley desired to give the credit for his thriving family to his beloved wife's devotion in raising their children, making a home and supporting him.

Oley was a World War II veteran of the Navy and, as a young adult, he studied electrical engineering at Iowa State University under the Navy V-12 program. After the war, in 1945, he was transferred to the NROTC program as a mid-shipman. He was honorably discharged in June, 1946 (one week before his June 22 wedding). His enduring, love for his wife was celebrated this past June at their 70th wedding anniversary.

Oley had a distinguished career in electrical engineering, beginning with his graduation from Iowa State in 1948 with the BSEE. He was subsequently employed by the Hoover company in Ohio until 1950, at which point he moved his family to Levittown, New York, where he worked for various companies as an electrical engineer. In 1969, he became President of Telecommunication Industries Inc., (TII) a newly formed company
manufacturing gas tube surge protectors used to protect telephones from lightning strikes and power line surges. He received 5 U.S. Patents for his designs. In 1979, he and Lulu moved to Laconia, NH, where he was employed by Wilcom Products Inc., Laconia. He worked in Marketing, Fiber Optics and International Government Sales until he retired in January 1989, with a career spanning more than 40 years.

Along with his distinguished career, Oley had a vibrant life of Christian charity and community service. He was a member of Evangelical Baptist Church, Laconia, and served in various leadership positions there. He was also active at CareNet Pregnancy Center for many years where he embodied servant leadership by taking on roles ranging from Chairman of the Board to maintenance and gardening. Those who knew Oley remember him as a man who was passionate about his faith; adoring of his wife; stirred by nature; and gifted with a brilliant mind. They also remember his unabashed love of hospitality. Their home was an earthly sanctuary to all who entered - a welcome foreshadowing of his future, celestial home. On February 12, 2017, Oley died surrounded by his children, as they sang him into that celestial home. Oley, Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, you are missed, and you are loved. Rest. You are home now. "Some bright morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away. To that home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away."

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 27, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, at the Wheat Ridge Chapel at Fairmount Homes, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata, followed by his funeral service at 10:30 am. Interment will take place in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Oley’s memory may be made to Fairmount Homes Sharing Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata, PA 17522 Or to: Aspire Womens' Center, (Formerly known as CareNet), 506 Union Ave., Laconia, NH 03246, www.aspirelaconia.org

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

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