Harold Oestmann

Harold Omer Oestmann, one of five children of Herman and Emma (Torbeck) Oestmann, was born May 26, 1924 on the family farm west of Auburn, Nebraska. He was baptized at home June 22, 1924 by Rev. Wm. Harder and confirmed August 14, 1938 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, Nebraska by Rev. E.C. Hansen. Harold attended Rohrs School near his home and graduated from high school in Auburn.

Harold entered the U. S. Army in May of 1944. After serving in the South Pacific during World War II he was honorably discharged in April of 1946.

On August 14, 1947 Harold was united in marriage to Norma Ruth Zorn at the Coryell Park Chapel near Brock, Nebraska. They were blessed with five children: Allan, Lynnette, Elaine, Janell, and Matthew.

After his discharge from the Army, Harold farmed and raised cattle and hogs west of Auburn for 10 years. He then moved his family to Sandpoint, Idaho where he drove trucks for the Carnation Company. He then worked for a short time as a self-employed trucker before moving back to Nebraska. He worked various jobs in the Auburn area while also buying the family farm and resuming farming and raising livestock.

Harold was a lifetime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, serving on the church council, as treasurer, and singing in the choir. He also belonged to the Farm Bureau, American Legion Post #330, and the VFW, serving as chaplain. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Norma.

Harold always loved music, and it was an important part of his life. He and his brother Orvin sang together at many weddings and funerals over the years. He enjoyed singing hymns and popular music from his youth until the last day of his life.

Norma passed away in 2005, and in 2007 Harold moved to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. He participated in the activities there and enjoyed visiting with family and friends.

On January 30, 2016, Harold was admitted to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. It was there he passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016 at the age of 91 years, 8 months, and 13 days. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Verna Moody, Ernestine Lunzmann, and Eileen Coulter, and brother Orvin.

Harold will be greatly missed by his children and their spouses Allan and Patti Oestmann of Wilton, IA; Lynnette and Leland “Butch” Lockard of Stella; Elaine and Sterling Bray of Auburn; Janell and Robert “Chip” Johnson of Auburn; Matthew and Denise Oestmann of Auburn; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Friday, February 12, 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson. Burial will follow in St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Auburn Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.