Julian Paul Ovrebo

Julian Paul Ovrebo, born on May 1, 1930, in Morgantown, PA, passed peacefully into eternal life at his home in Visalia, California, on June 24, 2020, surrounded by family. He was 90 years old. The only child of Paul Johannes Ovrebo, Ph.D., and Luella Venetta (Jacobson), Paul, as he preferred to be called, was a devoted son and stellar student. He learned to play the violin and spent his summers at his grandmother's farm in Wisconsin. Paul developed a great love for the Bible, photography, music, and history. During World War II, he spent many hours listening intently to the radio and following the work of his father, who was a consultant for the United States War Department. Paul graduated from Orville Wright High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1948, and later spent two years in Lutheran seminary. In 1952, Paul graduated from The Ohio State University with a master's degree in engineering. During the summer of 1951, he attended the Interlochen Summer Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan, where he met Eleanor T. Davis (Ellie) of Columbus, Ohio. They were married on August 22, 1953 and later had four children. Paul and Ellie started their married life in St. Paul, Minnesota, moved to Columbus, Ohio, then later settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he began his career as an optical engineer at General Mills. In 1965, Paul moved the family to Goleta, California, where continued his work in optical engineering, first, at the TE Company of Santa Barbara; then, at the Howard Hughes Corporation of Goleta. After retiring, Paul became a real estate agent in 1979, working for Gallery of Homes Real Estate and Loch Investments. After raising their four children, Paul and Ellie remained in Goleta until 2002, when they moved to Visalia, California. They became devoted members of Visalia Gateway Church and committed their lives to serving God and the community. Together, they played violin in the church orchestra for many years. Paul was an active member of Gideons International, the Kiwanis Club, and Toastmasters. He was an avid golfer well into his 80s. One of Paul's and Ellie's favorite pastimes was watching The Ohio State University football games on Saturdays during the Fall months. He will always be remembered for his Ohio State baseball hat and tie. He had a love of storytelling, especially about his father, growing up in the Great Depression, and his unforgettable encounter with Orville Wright. He will be sorely missed. Paul is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor Thelma Ovrebo, and his four children, Mark Ovrebo (Deidre Ovrebo) of Reno, NV; Joyce Ringer of Visalia, California; John Ovrebo (Denise Ovrebo) of Lompoc, California; and Gail Shelley (Chris Shelley) of Orange, Texas. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Joshua Ovrebo, Kjaere Baloyi, Christopher Ovrebo, Jason Ovrebo, Kassandra Ring, Cherie Ovrebo, Andrea Ringer, Muriel Livermore, Daniel Ringer, Jordan King, Jacob Ovrebo, and Tyler Ringer; and 12 great-grandchildren. Paul will be honored with a private viewing and family gathering on July 3, 2020. A public celebration of his life will be planned for a later date. Cards and letters should be sent to Mrs. Eleanor Ovrebo and her family at P.O. Box 7934, Visalia CA 93290-7934.

Julian Paul Ovrebo

May 1, 1930 - June 24, 2020