Charlotte Lee Oestreich

Charlotte Oestreich, 69, of Linn, KS, died early Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 13, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Greenleaf. Pastor Chris LaBoube officiated. The musicians were organist Jared Hatesohl, soloist Dr. James Smart, and guitarist Tim Halfhide. The songs included “Angels Among Us”, “The Lords Prayer”, “In the Garden” and “Go Rest High On the Mountain”. The congregation sang “Just As I Am”. The pallbearers were all of the grandchildren, Blake Savage, Brock Savage, Paige Savage, Jacob Greenlee, Jerod Greenlee, Jenna Schwartz, Hannah Coash, Garrett Coash, Olivia Oestreich, Hayden Oestreich, Brock Schwartz, Cody Schwartz, and Jamaar Brown. Burial was in the Linn City Cemetery. Charlotte Lee was born February 26, 1939, to Fern Aleta Faris Doupnik and Edison Theodore Doupnik in Agenda, Kansas. She was baptized as God’s child April 5, 1942, by Pastor Lester Share at the United Methodist Church in Linn. She was confirmed into the Methodist Church in 1952. Charlotte graduated from Linn High School on May 23, 1957. She loved music and enjoyed the coronet, piano and choir. Following high school, she received her cosmetology certificate from Crum’s Beauty School June 25, 1958. On November 30, 1958, she was married to Richard Oestreich at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Greenleaf, by Rev. Clifford Larson. She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on February 1, 1959. Her confirmation verse was I Timothy 1:15. Together they made Linn their first home while Dick worked for Linn State Bank and Charlotte worked at Zita’s Beauty Shop. In 1960 they moved to Greenleaf. During this time, Charlotte continued with her cosmetology career and became a mother of her first three children, Deby, Jodi, and Teri in 3 short years. Charlotte spent most evenings watching Dick play softball and chasing their three young daughters. In the summer of 1966 Dick became manager of the Linn Telephone Company and the family moved to Linn. In 1967, the family was blessed with a son, Brad. Charlotte continued as a part-time hairdresser, bookkeeper for the telephone company, and homemaker. In 1980 Charlotte began working for Linn Community Nursing Home in activities and eventually became activity director. Upon her retirement ten years later, then resident Doris Salter wrote Charlotte’s Swan Song in dedication to Charlotte, “In everyone’s life, there comes a time for change. Oft times we do not want change, but circumstances demand it. So Charlotte’s Swan Song does not mean the end; it just means one door will be closed, many more will be opened.” The family continued to grow with the addition of in-laws and grandchildren and Charlotte was never more content and joyful than when her home was filled with the sounds of her family’s laughter. It was with much joy, Dick and Charlotte celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary November, 2008. Charlotte peacefully joined her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan, after a short illness. Charlotte is survived by her husband, Dick, three daughters, Deby and husband Michael Savage and their children, Blake, Brock and Paige of Linn; Jodi and husband, Doug Schwartz and their children, Brock, Tara, Ava, Cody, Jacob, Jerod and Jenna, of Washington, Teri and husband, James Coash, and children Hannah and Garrett, of Concordia, and son, Brad, and wife, Kelli and children Olivia, Hayden and Jamaar, of Lee’s Summit. Brother, Gary and wife, Betty, of Loomis, California. In-laws, Larry and Pat Oestreich, of Sherman, TX, Ron Oestreich, of Linn, Jim & Roberta Oestreich, Darold and Janet Bolton, and John and Jolene Oestreich, all of Topeka and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Fern Doupnik, and in-laws, Walter and Henrietta Oestreich. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charlotte Lee Oestreich, please visit our flower store.