Ruth Ann Alvina Oestreich, 79, of Buffalo, Minnesota (formerly Howard Lake) was called to the Church Triumphant on October 22, 2023.
Ruth was born January 7, 1944 to Roy and Evelyn (née Brelje) Burau. She was baptized on January 30, 1944, confirmed on March 30, 1958, and married at St. James Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Howard Lake, MN. She married Harvey Jerome Oestreich on May 23, 1964. They were blessed with 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and she was expecting 2 more great-grandchildren.
Ruth spent her entire career at 3M in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Much of that time involved her taking additional training and in a leadership role with the 3M Club. In addition, she helped Harv farm. Her interests included gardening, canning, sewing and fishing. She and Harv spent much time traveling, both with and without their RV. Ruth was active in St. James’ LWML, and she and Harv delivered meals on wheels. Ruth was also active in 2 different Red Hat Societies.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Harvey; her parents and her niece Tabitha Roepke. She is survived by her 11 siblings: Gerald, DeLloyd, Roger, Janice, Coleen, Vivian, Dale, Una, Mavis, Dean and Mary Kay; children Joanne Jarvis (Rob) and Philip Oestreich (Susan); grandchildren Hannah Seek (Tim), Sarah deVall (Luke), Samuel Oestreich; two great-grandsons, Noah and Rowan Seek; five godchildren: Dawn Christodoulou, Mark Burau, Raquel Burau, Andrea Ellingson, Jeff Roepke, and many other relatives and friends.
A Service of Christian Burial and Interment is scheduled for November 10, 2023 at 2 pm. Rev. Mark Loder of St. James Lutheran Church and Rev. Rob Jarvis will be officiating; Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements in Minnesota. Memorials may be given to either LWML at St. James, or St. James Lutheran Church.