Edward C. Oelsner ’37

Body

SQUASH RACQUETS champion and shipping expert Ed Oelsner died April 2, 1990, in North Palm Beach of leukemia, leaving his wife of 50 years, the former Hope Bryan sons Edward III '64 and James, daughters Glenny and Lesley, and six grandchildren.

Ed prepared at schools in Switzerland and England, where he was active in many sports. At Princeton he majored in politics, was a member of Quad, and continued his illustrious athletic career on the soccer, squash racquets, tennis, and ski teams.

In 1942 he was commissioned ensign in the U.S. Navy and for the next four years served in convoy and port operations in U.S., England, and France, and left the service as It. commander. In 1976 he was decorated with the Officers' Cross by the West German government for helping to reestablish shipping between the U.S. and Germany after the war.

From right after graduation he followed his ancestral line as president of U.S. Navigation Company, which represented steamship companies from around the world until it was sold prior to his retirement in 1979.

His outstanding squash racquets career included winning the New York State Championship in 1947. His career was terminated by a severe bout of rheumatoid arthritis in the 1950s. He completely recovered and wrote, "I have so much gold in me that I have to oppose the $35 per ounce limit."

To his family and many friends the Class sends its deepest condolences.

The Class of 1937

Paw in print

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