Dorothy Ann Osterman

DOROTHY ANN OSTERMAN September 24, 1929 – December 17, 2017    Dorothy Ann Osterman, age 88, a longtime Park Rapids, MN area resident, died unexpectedly at her home, while getting ready for church Sunday morning, December 17, 2017.    Dorothy was born on September 24, 1929 to Donald Sr. and Esther (Fleischfresser) Rarer in Grant County of West Central MN, near the town of Herman. She was baptized at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman on October 20, 1929 and was later confirmed there as well on June 27, 1943. As a small girl, Dorothy moved with her family to Luce, MN where she attended the first two years of country school before her family returned to the Herman area where she finished her schooling at the Herman Public School. On January 27, 1947, Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald Osterman in Webster, SD. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Diane, Gene and Doug. Dorothy devoted herself to making a comfortable and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker and also enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and did knitting, crocheting and counted cross stitch as well. The young family settled in LeSueur, MN in 1954. In addition to caring for her family, Dorothy began working as an office clerk for the Ben Franklin Store in 1960. In 1968 she gained employment as an administrative assistant for the Green Giant Corporation in LeSueur, which was later bought up by the Pillsbury Company. Her career there spanned over 17 years until her retirement in 1985. She and Donald were excellent bowlers and enjoyed participating on several bowling leagues. In 1989, Dorothy and Donald retired to a lake home near Park Rapids. She kept busy during those years with community involvement. She was a former member of the Hospital Auxilliary and served as President for a year. She was also very active with the Ugo Igo Homemakers Club for a number of years. Dorothy also was a very active member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post Auxilliary where she served as President for two terms. She was also a long time faithful member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids where she enjoyed worship and fellowship. Over the years, she and Donald loved to go camping with their children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed attending the working cow horse competitions and horse shows that her children were involved with over the years. She was a member of the LeSueur Saddle Club for many years. Above all, her children and grandchildren were the highlight of her life.    She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Diane (Dudley) Gustad of Colorado City, CO, Gene (Laurie) Osterman of Park Rapids, MN and Doug (Cheryl) Osterman of Colorado City, CO; grandchildren: Chad (Laurel) VanBuskirk of Waconia, MN, Chris Thayer of Kasota, MN, Kelly (Tony) Kopp of Farmington, MN, Jeff Osterman of Mankato, Kaitlyn Osterman of Sterling, CO and Steven Osterman of Duluth; step-granddaughter, Stephanie Craig of Park Rapids and two great granddaughters: Megan and Taylor VanBuskirk; one brother, Walter (Cathie) Rarer of St. Cloud; sister-in-law, Jean Rarer of Shakopee, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.    Dorothy will be spending her Christmas in Heaven this year with her husband and true love, Donald who preceded her in death in 2005; she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Donald & Gerald and her sister, Sandy.    Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with Rev. Stephen Norby officiating. Martha Thompson will be the organist. The casket bearers will be her grandchildren and the honorary casket bearers will be her great grandchildren. Interment will be made in the Bethel Cemetery southeast of Park Rapids. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Thursday, December 21 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue for an hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Calvary Lutheran Church. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com