Gerald M. Oestreich, 85, of the Town of Texas, Marathon County, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at his home under the care of his family and hospice.
Gerald was born July 23, 1933 in Tigerton, Wisconsin, son of the late Albert and Clara (Spieth) Oestreich. Gerald’s first marriages were to Joyce Gardner in 1952 and Rita Howard in 1975. He married Lois Behm in 1990. She survives. Gerald had worked at Wausau Metals. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially enjoyed fishing trips to Canada twice a year. Gerald also enjoyed gardening, taking care of his lawn, and reading western novels. Gerald was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Pine River, and was a former officer of the church.
Survivors include his wife, Lois Oestreich of Wausau; children, Lonnie Selje of Wisconsin Rapids, Daniel Oestreich (Brenda Koehler) of Adell, Wisconsin and Jerilin (James) Gonwa of Menomonie Falls; his step children, Lori Howard, Illinois, Lynn (Lisa) Howard, Stoughton, Lisa Howard, Appleton, Beth (Mark) Heckendorf, Merrill, Michael (Jennifer) Utech, Cincinnati, Ohio, and William (Danette) Utech, Kenosha; 23 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and one brother, Gene (Linda) Oestreich, Lake Tomahawk. Besides his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Selje; and a sister, Elaine Schafer.
The funeral service for Gerald will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, September 10, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Pine River. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will take place Tuesday morning in Union Cemetery, Tigerton, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday, September 9th at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:30 AM Monday at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.
The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Pine River, or The Lutheran Hour Ministry’s.