Thomas R. Osterman

Thomas R. Osterman, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, left this earthly world to join his beloved wife, JoAnn, in heaven on November 25, 2021, in Great Falls, MT. Tom was born in Great Falls on June 10, 1929, to Mary (Kelleher) and Herman Osterman of Monarch, MT. The fourth of nine children, his childhood was spent on the family’s ranch in Monarch, nestled in the Little Belt Mountains. Tom graduated from Neihart High School in 1947. He then drove truck and worked as a welder and mechanic until he was inducted into the US Army in April 1951. Tom courageously served in the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Merit Unit Commendation. He was honorably discharged in April 1953, then served five years in the US Army Reserve. Tom met JoAnn Brain of Chester, MT when she was a senior at Central High School and living with her grandparents in Great Falls. While in Korea, Tom said he received a letter from her every single day. Tom and JoAnn were married August 5, 1953, in Chester, MT. They welcomed four children and were married for 62 years until JoAnn’s death in 2015. They lived in Great Falls for 14 years while Tom primarily worked for Central Machinery Co. He was a master mechanic, known and sought-after throughout the state. In 1967, the family moved to the Chester area, where they farmed for 54 years. Tom’s love of the land and farming and ranching was enduring. He worked tirelessly and his mechanical abilities served him well. The definition of grit, Tom always had a list of repairs and other work to accomplish, even at the time of his death at 92. Tom served his community, church, friends, and neighbors throughout his lifetime. He was elected to two terms on the Chester School Board, serving for eight years with integrity and fairness toward all. For many years, Tom served on the board of the MSU Agricultural Experiment Station in Havre, MT and actively grew foundation seed grain on his weed-free ground. Tom’s Catholic faith was a priority in his life. He was an active member of St. Mary Church, where he taught religious education for many years and was always involved when there was work to be done. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, receiving the honor of Third and Fourth Degrees and lifetime honorary membership. He also belonged to the American Legion and participated in many activities serving veterans. Tom was happiest when everyone was home for big gatherings and meals, including many extended family members. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joys of his life and lit up his beautiful blue eyes every time he saw or talked about them. A storyteller, Tom loved to make them laugh and smile. He was endlessly proud of his family, always supporting their interests and attending their activities. Tom enjoyed Chester High School sporting events, even long after his children and grandchildren graduated. He drove the Chester Coyotes sports buses (and kept them running) for many years, but especially enjoyed driving the girls’ basketball team with JoAnn sitting right behind him. Tom always saw the good in people, and he was generous and quick to help those who were struggling. Many friends and relatives were the recipients of his generosity, though Tom would never have told you that himself. Tom is survived by his four children and their families, Ken (Lynda) Osterman of Chester; Dede (Gary) Ingman of Helena; Doug Osterman of Seattle, WA; and Shelley Frost of Great Falls; grandchildren, Geoff (Matti)Osterman of Chester, Candice Osterman of Portland, OR, Andrea Schlimgen of Big Sandy, Ross Ingman of Helena, Kristen Ingmanofof Missoula, Mitchell Osterman of Seattle, WA, Anders Osterman of Seattle, WA; and Brent Frost of Hampton, VA; and great-grandchildren, Kenna and Wesson Osterman of Chester, who brought him immeasurable joy in the last two years. Tom is also survived by his brother, Dave (Louise) Osterman of Monarch; sisters, Mary (Jack) Boettcher of Great Falls and Bernice (Cary) Breeden of Buckeye, AZ; sister-in-law, Arlene Osterman of Armington; JoAnn’s sister, Carol (Dan) Riley of Pueblo, CO; and many nieces and nephews who he cared for deeply. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, who he missed profoundly. He was also preceded in death by infant grandson, Kevin Osterman; his parents; brothers, Louie, Walt, and Bud Osterman; sisters, Margaret Griffin and Helen Thorson; and JoAnn’s sister and brother-in-law, Marguerite and Merle Bivens. Rosary will be December 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. and a funeral mass will be celebrated December 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Mary Church in Chester. The Rite of Committal will be December 21, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Great Falls. Memorials for Tom may be given to St. Mary Church, Chester, MT, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.