Obituary for Thelma V. Osterberg Thelma V. Osterberg, 93, of Kingsford, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at ManorCare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsford. Thelma was born on February 4, 1925 in Breitung Township, the third of five children to the late Joseph and Jennie (Swanson) LaSalle. Thelma attended Lincoln Elementary School in East Kingsford and as a child, she and other neighborhood kids would gather at an empty lot to play baseball games organized by her father.
Later Thelma would play shortstop in fast-pitch softball. She attended Kingsford High School through her sophomore year and when World War II broke out, Thelma dropped out of school and went to work at the Summit Dairy on Breitung Avenue. After the war, Thelma met and fell in love with a Navy veteran from Iron Mountain’s north side, Franklin “Oaken” Osterberg.
They were married on October 4, 1947 at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Thelma spent many years as a clerk at both Pucci’s and Dooley’s stores and was a longtime member of the American Martyrs Catholic Church where she served on St. Rita’s Circle. Her lifelong love of baseball continued from listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio with her father, playing the sport and eventually following her sons as they played ball from little league through high school and adult leagues.
Just a few years ago she was still walking to the east Kingsford field to watch the little leaguers play baseball. Thelma was a dedicated housewife and mother as well as an accomplished cook and baker. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Thelma is survived by her children, Jane (Roy) Steinke of Kingsford, MI and Larry (Chris) Osterberg of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren: Beth Osterberg, Nathaniel Osterberg, Roy Steinke Jr. and Jared Steinke; Great-grandchildren: Jared Michael Jr., Serenity, and Gabriel Steinke, Lindzey (Cory) Draton, Loryn (Nick) Gonzalez, and Brody Osterberg, Great-great grandsons Bryson Draton and Logan Gonzalez; a sister-in-law, Marilyn LaSalle; a brother-in-law, Donald Osterberg; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin; a son, David; a grandson, Jeremiah Osterberg; a great-grandson, Reno Laney; and four brothers: Russell, Clarence, Earl LaSalle and Jack Griggs. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Kingsford Funeral Home.
Fr. Joseph Goin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11:00 am at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Thelma V. Osterberg online at www. ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thelma V. Osterberg please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Visitation , NOV 6. 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Kingsford Funeral Home 1000 S. Carpenter Kingsford, MI, US, 49802 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Thelma’s Visitation begins. Mass of Christian Burial , NOV 6.
11:00 AM American Martyrs Catholic Church 908 W. Sagola Ave. Kingsford, MI, US, 49802 Order Flowers for the Mass of Christian Burial Guaranteed delivery before Thelma’s Mass of Christian Burial begins.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
