Arlene Oestreich

Arlene Oestreich, 87, of Linn, KS, died Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 7, at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn. The Rev. David Gruoner officiated. Eunice Beier played the organ while the congregation sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Amazing Grace”. The pallbearers were Rob Buzzi, Dr. Leif Olson, Bruce Luehring, Kurt Schneider, Russell Luehring and Timothy Duitsman. The honorary pallbearers were Mark Duitsman, Jennifer Olson and David Duitsman. Burial was in the church cemetery. Ernest and Esther (Petsch) Luehring of rural Jefferson Co., Nebraska, were blessed on November 29, 1922 with the gift of a daughter whom they named Arlene Vernette Luehring. She was baptized on December 24, 1922 by the Rev. W. Lobsien of Zion State Line Lutheran Church, rural Hollenberg, Kansas. She confirmed her faith on October 11, 1936 at Zion State Line Lutheran Church, rural Hollenberg. In 1940, Arlene graduated from Hollenberg High School, Hollenberg, Kan. After high school she worked in Dr. Morgan's office at Steele City, Neb. This is where she met Lawrence Oestreich, her future husband. On August 18, 1944, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Oestreich at the Lutheran Service Center in San Diego, Cal., by Rev. Edgar P. Schmidt. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Linda and Kathy. They became members of Zion Lutheran Church in 1956 when they moved to Linn. Arlene was a member of L.W.M.L. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary at Linn, Ks. for 40 years. Arlene worked at the Washington Co. Creamery, Linn, Ks. for many years. In 1971 Arlene became an employee of the newly opened Linn Community Nursing Home. She served in several capacities: nurses aide, activity director, bookkeeper and as administrator. Arlene retired in 1987. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and baking. Arlene and Lawrence enjoyed traveling and sports, following the sports activities and school functions of their children and then their grandchildren over the years. Her husband, Lawrence, preceded her in death on May 7, 2007, she was also preceded by her parents; two brothers, Richard and Gilbert Luehring; sister, LuElla Schneider; and son-in-law, Joe Henson. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Duitsman and husband, Don, Lincoln, Neb., and Kathy Henson, Amelia Island, FL; four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and four step-great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or Linn Community Nursing Home. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene Oestreich, please visit our flower store.