William ""Bill"" Louis Oestreich

William (Bill) Louis Oestreich was born to Walter and Alice (McNellis) Oestreich on June 15, 1932 in Hutchinson, MN. Shortly thereafter they moved to a farm south of Grove City. Their family grew with the births of Shirley (Bernell Buck), Gayle (Arlene), and Pat (Ardell Reins). At the age of 17, Bill joined the United States Air Force and was stationed throughout the US, Germany, and England. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged after serving 7 years. Throughout the rest of his life, Bill was a proud member of the honor guard for the local VFW and American Legion. He was part of hundreds of funerals and walked in countless parades carrying the flag. He took great pride in being a Veteran and serving his nation. On August 18, 1962, at St. Philip's church in Litchfield, Bill married Mary Hughes, daughter of Patrick and Rose (O'Keefe) Hughes. Her siblings include Frances (Mark Agnew), Noni (Duane Smith), Pat (Deb), Mike (Marilyn), Bob (Mary), and Steve (Karla). Bill worked at First District Association for 32 years. Following his retirement he worked at Lake Ripley Elementary School for 12 years. He thoroughly loved his work at Lake Ripley School with the students and staff. Due to age and health concerns he retired in 2008. His faith and Church were always major components of Bill's life. For many years he brought Communion to the home bound and dying. He was also active in ushering at Mass, driving the elderly to and from mass, working at parish events, serving on the parish council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. His sense of adventure was fueled by trips to Ireland, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Palestine, Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, a Caribbean cruise, and countless vacations throughout the United States. Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease which took him from us on January 19, 2015. His Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, January 24, 10:30 am at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield. Bill is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Shari Stordahl, grandchildren Patrick and Meghan Stordahl all of Litchfield. His son, Father Brian Oestreich currently ministers in the Catholic churches in Madison, Appleton, and Dawson, MN. Bill enjoyed both children and dogs, therefore in lieu of flowers, Bill's family encourages that a memorial be given to Helping Paws, Inc. a program that trains dogs to assist children with special needs. Eternal peace grant unto him, O Lord! Previous Events Visitation Friday, January 23, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM St. Philip's Catholic Church 821 east 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, January 24, 2015 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM St. Philip's Catholic Church 821 east 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, January 24, 2015 11:15 AM Calvary Cemetery East 5th Street Litchfield, MN 55355