‘Almost out of my wits’

100-year-old guest of honor says celebration was ‘amazing’

By Heather Ruenz

Staff Writer

Elma Oberla turned 100 years old April 14 and she said this year’s celebration was like no other she’s ever experienced.

Oberla lives in Delavan and due to the coronavirus pandemic and Safer-at-Home orders, her family and friends came up with an alternate way to give her the party she deserves. They organized a parade of people to drive past Oberla’s home.

She said she had no idea something was in the works, even after seeing numerous vehicles lining up in the parking lot across the street, initially believing a group of kids were going to “finally get to play outside and get some fresh air. Then I saw a balloon sticking out of a car so thought maybe someone was having a party there,” Oberla said.

Her daughter, Judy, had previously made plans to bring leftovers to Oberla’s so they could have lunch together. When Judy arrived, she suggested they go outside for a minute so Oberla said she put her coat on and out they went.

“We got out there and then they started to move and all of them were tootin’ their horns and she told me what it was for. I was almost out of my wits. I was just awestruck,” she said.

It wasn’t just family and friends who showed up, either. Among the many participants were officers from the City of Delavan Police and Fire and Rescue departments.

Despite the cold that blew in for Oberla’s big day, she stood out in the driveway, waving as vehicle after vehicle – roughly 40 in all – drove past. Many were holding homemade signs, balloons or streamers. There were a lot of smiles and “happy birthday” greetings shouted from the road.

Longtime friend Tammy Edwards said it was important to celebrate with Oberla on her birthday.

“She’s an amazing woman and she definitely deserved a big parade to put a smile on her face,” Edwards said.

Oberla was raised in Sharon and married a farmer – Donald Truckenbrod – in Darien. They were married more than 33 years when he passed away. Later, she married Paul Oberla, a widower who went to the same church she did, and they were married more than 31 years.

She has four children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She said she remembers growing up in the Great Depression and though it’s different than the coronavirus both have been difficult to witness.

Oberla said people always ask her what the secret is to live to be 100.

“I guess I’d say think happy thoughts and appreciate the beauty that the world has to offer us. I don’t want any accolades and don’t want to be a bragger. I’m just a simply country girl,” she said.

In addition to the drive-by celebration, Oberla said she received several flower arrangements and had counted 75 greeting cards at one time though she’s since received more.

“Some people were donating to charity in my name and some gave me money to donate to my favorite charity,” she said.

Oberla said she’s still at a loss for words over the big celebration.

“I wish someone would tell me what to say. It made my birthday so memorable despite what’s going on,” she said.

She said someone told her they thanked the police officers and one of them commented it was fun to take part in the parade.

“I guess they had nothing better to do than wish a 100-year-old lady with white fuzzy hair a happy birthday,” Oberla said with a laugh.

“After it was over and I was able to catch my breath I realized I must have a lot of friends and people that care about me. It was amazing,” she said.