Keith OESTREICH

Obituary of Keith Russell OESTREICH

KEITH R. OESTREICH age 68 of Jefferson passed away Wednesday September 30, 2009 at the Watertown Memorial Hospital. Keith was born September 11, 1941 to Leonard and Sylvia (Walter) Oestreich in Watertown Wisconsin. Keith was born on the family farm and has always lived there. He was very proud of his family's heritage. In the 1950's his father's health weakened so he helped his brothers, mother and sister continue to farm the land and mild cows. Keith graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. At this time his dream of being a full fledged farmer became a reality. He had always wanted to be a farmer and he certainly was. In 1961 Keith and his brother, Clyde bought the neighbor's farm, it was purchased with a down payment of $100.00. April 11, 1965 the Palm Sunday tornado destroyed the buildings at both farms. Without much insurance, but with high hopes, determination and more dreams, the Oestreich Brothers continued doing their life dream-farming. New buildings and new ideas sparked those dreams. Keith met the love of his life the day of the tornado. A whirl-wind romance began and June 11, 1966, Keith married Lodean Pitterle. Son Charlie was born in 1969, more hopes and more dreams. Neighboring farms were purchases as the years went by. In 1982 a grainery fire at the farm left a large mess to clean up. Keith rolled up his sleeves and the work continued. In 1992 Keith's brother and his best friend Clyde got his leg caught in the silo unloader. Clyde was hospitalized and had surgery. Keith and his son Charlie continued to farm, Clyde came back to work and it was business as always. In 2001, Clyde had a tragic farm accident and departed this world for eternal peace. Keith and his son Charlie continued to work and farm the century old farm with much pride. As Keith's health failed he still continued to drive the tractors, and the combine. Keith's love was the farm and his family. During all the day-to-day problems a farm can produce, Keith always had time to say "Hi" and always had a smile. Keith will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Lodean His son Charlie and his wife Yvonne. Keith has two grandchildren; Steven and Anna who will deeply miss their faithful grandpa. He is also survived by his brother; Leonard W. Oestreich, sister; Sandi (Al) Clark Sister-in-law; Bethene Pitterle, niece Heidi Doeberlein, and nephew Todd Clark Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday October 7, 2009 at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran church in Jefferson with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Comstock officiating burial will be in the Union Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home in Jefferson, and then again at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.
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Reception Information

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church-Jefferson
324 South Sanborn Ave.
Jefferson, Wisconsin, United States

Interment Information

Aztalan-Milford Cemetery
Hwy Q
Town Of Aztalan, Wisconsin, United States

Service Information

When Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 11:00am Officiating Rev. Dr. Kenneth Comstock Location St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church-Jefferson Address 324 South Sanborn Ave. Jefferson, WI 53549
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