Ken Oberste

The best dad EVER returned to star dust on July 2, 2021.

Kenneth Edward Oberste was born July 22, 1930, in Little Rock, Arkansas and aside from a 2 yr stint in the Navy during the Korean War, a few wonderful years in art school in his beloved Chicago, and some family trips here and there, he was happy staying put in the city where he was born.

After a yearlong childhood illness where he was stuck at home in bed, his amazing art skills became apparent. He decided to pursue an art career as an 8 yr old and never looked back. He supported his family of 8 (through braces, multiple ER visits, and private schools) with his painting skills - a feat not many, even the great masters can claim. He said he was the luckiest man on the planet, because he never worked a day in his life. His art hangs in a museum in Chicago, board rooms in Dallas and Louisiana, bank lobbies and state houses in Arkansas, and many homes around the world.

Even though he adored his wife Tinky and doted on her til the very end, Dad was the stereotypical Peter Pan. He never grew up. He chased fire trucks and fireflies, ate candy like it was going out of style, and was a never-ending source of fun and adventure for his kids and grandkids. He had a myriad of interests and never lost his sense of wonder at the world around him. An avid photographer and videographer, watercolorist, coin collector, a marathon runner, he volunteered for multiple organizations, donated his body weight in blood many times over, was a devilish practical joker but was serious about his beloved Boyle Park - where he spent his last decades picking up trash and fighting for respect for this beautiful city park.

And though he loved music and it brought him much joy til his dying moment, he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. But Dad could pick up any musical instrument and within a short time, could play it like a pro.

Proceeded in death by his parents, brothers, and in-laws, plus his sweetheart Tinky, he is survived by his sister Rosemary Bergeron and his children Neva Barker (Pat), Marleen New (Terry) Chuck (Mary Jo), Peggy Hamm (Tom), Dan (Tracy) and Denis (Elizabeth.) Grandkids Andrew Barker (Doris Avila), Sam Barker and Kristen Barker-Johnson (Daniel), Jack Lovett, Moriah Lovett (John Michael McRae), and Jillian New plus great grandchildren Miranda and Julian, and in-laws Joe, Bug and Mike.

Our family would like to thank Joan Rush Robbins and her team of angels on earth at Briarwood. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers we please ask that you pick up at least one piece of trash in a public spot and know this simple act of kindness to the planet will make him happier than any donation or flower arrangement ever could.

Oh, and turn off the lights when you leave the room for Pete’s sake, and get the hell out of the left lane unless you’re passing.