Judith “Judy” L. (Howe) Oestreich, age 82, entered Heaven’s glory on Friday morning, March 18, 2022, where she dwells with her Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ, and joins her dear, Jim. Judy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Born in Burlington, Wisc., on Sept. 29, 1939, to Kenneth J. and Eloise A. (Albright) Howe, Judy lived her entire childhood in the small, historic community of Rochester. Judy was the eldest of five siblings: Betty, Gary, Bonnie and Patti. Together with their parents Judy and her siblings enjoyed singing and playing a variety of musical instruments. Judy played the alto saxophone throughout high school, participating in marching band and concert band. As a clerk in a small, corner grocery store, Judy met the love of her life, Jim Oestreich, whom she married. God blessed them with three children: Vickie, Jim and Lorie. Judy enjoyed the job of driving school bus for several years but her all-time favorite job (outside the home) was working as a cashier, especially at Faler’s General Store in Pinedale. In her retirement, Judy soaked up the sun in Arizona, opened her home to countless friends for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie, prayed fervently for her children and grandchildren and generously gave of herself to others. How we will miss her!
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Ken and Ellie Howe, her brother Gary Howe, her grandson Eric G. Werni, Jr. and her beloved husband of 63 years, James Oestreich, Sr. She is survived by her children Vickie Werni (Eric Sr.), Jim Oestreich Jr., Lorie Loftus (Dean), special family friend Kathy Leitner (Bill), her three remaining siblings, 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church (1 Gooseberry Circle, Pinedale, Wyo. 82941) on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be given in Judy’s honor for outreach ministries to Emmanuel Baptist Church, PO Box 247, Pinedale, WY 82941.
