Jean Shirley Ostert, 84, of West Union, Iowa passed peacefully into the arms of her lord on Thursday, October 22, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.
Jean Shirley Overhouse was born on December 30, 1935 in Maneek near Castalia, Iowa to Burt A. Overhouse and Mabel C. Reckward. She was baptized October 16, 1938 at Glenwood Lutheran Church- near Decorah, Iowa. She was confirmed April 10, 1949 at St. Peter’s Lutheran church in Dubuque, Iowa.
She lived on farms in the Decorah, Waukon, Postville, and Rossville areas until moving to Dubuque in 1946. Jean attended country schools, then the elementary schools of Prescott and Fulton-Jefferson Jr. High and then Dubuque Senior High School, graduating in June of 1954. While living there, she worked in the film library of the Board of Education, was a maid, did general cleaning, waitress, cashier and book keeper for a clothing store.
Jean was married March 1, 1954 to Bob Ostert at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She lived in Dubuque, Iowa until they moved to West Union, Iowa in July of 1969 with the exception of living at Griffiss Air Force. Rome, New York for 1 ½ years. Jean was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School, helping the financial secretary and was active in the circle. Jean transferred to Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa.
Jean worked as a waitress at Loftus Restaurant and Town House and cashier and baker at Traeger’s Jack and Jill. She became a housewife again starting in January 1984.
Jean was an active member of Zion, teaching Sunday School, circle chairman and secretary, chairman of mission action, helped with vacation Bible school and Do-Days. She was a member and president of Gleaner’s Hospital Unit, member of hospital auxiliary board and helped with blood drives. Jean was a member of Dubuque and West Union Women’s Bowling Association for many years. Secretary-Treasurer for State Lutheran Bowling Tournament for 5 years. Volunteer for over twenty-five years at the Good Samaritan Home. Member and active in Legion Auxiliary.
Jean enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, volunteering and helping people, but she most enjoyed being with family, grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends. God richly blessed her with a wonderful family and friends.
Jean is survived by her sons, Burt (Marge) of Alta Vista, Gene (Theresa) of Oneida, WI and Jerry (Kim) of Plano, Texas. Seven grandchildren, Susie (Brian) Frieden, Stacy (Tony) Miller, Deb (Scott) Larson, Courtney Ostert, Allison (Hayden) Ostert, Brandon Ostert and Isabella Ostert. Seven great-grandchildren, Nate (Natalie) Miller, Samantha Miller, Libby Miller, Trent Frieden, Adyson Frieden, Hannah Larson and Carter Larson. Several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and friends.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, on December 16, 2012. Her parents Burt and Mabel, sister Betty Overhouse and brother’s, Leo, Lester, Ray and Fay.
Visitation will be held from 9-11 am on Monday, October 26, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa.
Funeral will be at 11:00 am on Monday, October 26, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Don Best as the officiant.
Burial will follow in the West Union Cemetery in West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.