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Willard Oestreich Obituary – 5/10/2017


Willard Emil Oestreich, age 87, of Delano, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.

He was born Feb. 20, 1930, in Watertown, to Emil and Elizabeth (Kaeppe) Oestreich.

Willard was a life-long resident of Delano.

He served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Willard was united in marriage to Vernita “Nita” Koecher June 26, 1954, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover.

The couple enjoyed dancing and listening to polka music, and traveling.

Willard worked as a butcher for 71 years at Rieder’s Meats.

He was a lifetime member of Delano American Legion Post 377.

Willard was known as “the can man” for his collecting cans around town. He enjoyed attending “Music in the Park.”

Most of all, Willard loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 61 years, Nita.

Willard is survived by his daughters, Karen Carlson, and Linda Fabian; five grandchildren: Sara Bialke, Angie (Kevin) Carlson, Bobbie (Dave) Willenbring, Christopher Oestreich, and Kelly (Jerry) Whalin; five great-grandchildren: Adam and Gage Zaccardi, and Kalia, Angel and Mattie Mae Brown; and a brother-in-law, Arlyn (Kathy) Koecher.

Funeral services took place Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Delano, with visitation at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m., prior to the services. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Arrangements were with the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

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