James A. Oestreich Sr.

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James “Jim” A. Oestreich, Sr., 80, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday morning, Jan. 28, from his home in Pinedale, Wyo. Jim was a loving husband, father, friend and beloved grandpa.

Born in Greenwood, Wis., on Oct. 20, 1940, to Ralph and Ruth (Hallowell) Oestreich, Jim grew up as the oldest of six on small dairy farm with siblings Bill, Alice, Mike, Joyce and David. Leaving the farm for other work, Jim became a silo builder in southern Wisconsin. There he met Judy (Howe) who became his wife and the mother of his three children Vickie, Jim and Lorie. Jim, together with Judy (wife, friend and business partner), established a successful trucking business. When Jim wasn’t behind the steering wheel of a semi, he loved to hunt whitetails, fish for anything that would bite, laugh with friends and family over a good meal, share his faith in Christ and sing anywhere, but especially in church (which he loved). Jim’s bear hugs, laughter, compassion and generosity will be missed by all.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ruth Oestreich, and his grandson, Eric G. Werni, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judy, and children Vickie Werni (Eric Sr.), Jim Oestreich, Jr., Lorie Loftus (Dean), special family friend Kathy (Bill) Leitner, his five siblings, 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was planned at Emmanuel Baptist Church (1 Gooseberry Circle, Pinedale, Wyo., 82941) on Monday, Feb. 1.

Memorial gifts may be given in Jim’s honor for outreach ministries to Emmanuel Baptist Church PO Box 247, Pinedale, WY 82941.