GERALD (JERRY) EDWIN JOHNSON OESTMANN

1932-2020

Gerald (Jerry) Edwin John Oestmann, the only son of Martin and Magdalena (Volkmann) Oestmann was born on August 19, 1932. He enjoyed the attention of his four sisters: Irma, Eleanor, Diana and Linda. He was baptized on September 4, 1932 at Martin Luther Church of Johnson, Nebraska. Jerry was confirmed June 9, 1946 at Hickory Grove (St. Paul Lutheran Church). Jerry’s education began with Kindergarten, in Auburn, Nebraska. He attended Dewey Country School and graduated from Johnson High School with the class of 1951.

Jerry entered the United States Army on March 17, 1953. He became a mechanic and was honorably discharged in January of 1955. On weekends Jerry assisted the Army Chaplin with scripture and music. The hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, became one of Jerry’s favorite hymns while serving his country. After returning home, Jerry continued to work as a mechanic for the Nebraska State Department of Roads.

On April 15, 1955 Jerry married Vivian Alberts at St. James Lutheran Church in Humboldt, Neb. The couple is blessed with a wonderful family: Jerry Lee and his wife Alicia, Danny and his wife Susan, and Shari and her husband Dan. Jerry and Vivian also have three grandchildren and a grandchild-in-law: D.J. Oestmann, Philip Hohnstadt, and Sarah (nee Hohnstadt) Bogdanoff and her husband Micah Bogdanoff.

Jerry and Vivian joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn in 1967. Jerry served in several offices and together both Jerry and Vivian supported the church’s prison ministry, SENDS transportation ministry, and many other church activities.

Jerry was a member of the Auburn Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He taught EMT classes locally and to squads throughout southeast Nebraska.

With Vivian as his partner, Jerry taught square dance lessons locally and in northeast Kansas. Jerry called square dances for 15 years.

Jerry was preceded to our Heavenly home by his parents, his parents-in-law, Henry and Clara Alberts, sister and brother-in-law Eddie and Eleanor Gerdes, brothers-in-law Alister Behrends and Robert Agnew, sister-in-law Willie Moerer, nephews Robert Agnew Jr., Alan Behrends and Bruce Gerdes and niece Debbie Dunlap.

Gerald (Jerry) E. Oestmann is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Vivian and their children: Jerry and his wife Alicia of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Daniel and his wife Susan and their son D.J. of Lincoln, Neb. and Shari and her husband Daniel of Shelby TWP., Michigan and their children Sarah and her husband Micah of Auburn, and Philip of Huntington, Fla. Jerry is also survived by sisters Irma, Diana, and Linda; along with many dear relatives and friends.

(Gerald’s Confirmation Verse): He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

A private family graveside funeral service was held at Sheridan Cemetery at Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Rathjen. Dr. Daniel Oestmann, Daniel Joel Oestmann II, Daniel Hohnstadt, Philip Hohnstadt, Sarah Bogdanoff, and Micah Bogdanoff served as pallbearers. Honorary bearers were Eiber Alberts, Wayne Moerer, and Rodney Kuhlmann. Graveside military honors were provided by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard. Final Page was also sent out for his service to the community with Auburn Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Nemaha County Herald

PO Box 250
Auburn, NE 68305
PH: (402) 274-3185
FAX: (402) 274-3273

GERALD (JERRY) EDWIN JOHNSON OESTMANN | The Nemaha County Herald

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