Joan Ostergard

Joan A. Ostergard, 78, of Gothenburg, Nebraska passed away on August 15, 2014 at the Gothenburg Memorial Hospital. She was born April 23, 1936 in Gothenburg, the daughter of LaVern A. and Dorothy L. Wickstrom.

Joan lived in Gothenburg her entire life. She graduated from Gothenburg High School with the class of 1954 where she was the editor of the school newspaper, a drum majorette and a member of the National Honor Society. On February 18, 1956 she married Larry Ostergard at the First Presbyterian Church of Gothenburg. Together with her husband they owned and operated Larry’s Plumbing and Heating from 1969 until 2005, when they sold their business to Eustis Plumbing and Heating. In 1990, they began a Hereford cattle operation just west of town. In 1992 she purchased the Hallmark business from Gallagher Pharmacy and began Joan’s Hallmark until she retired in early 2013. During that time she served as president of the Chamber of Commerce. Joan and Larry enjoyed golfing together and playing duplicate bridge. Joan taught bridge lessons to numerous people, and participated in local bridge clubs. She spent many summers keeping the scorebook and driving the baseball teams Larry coached to their out of town games. For over 25 years, they belonged to the Touchdown Club, and enjoyed travelling to all of the Nebraska home football games as well as several bowl games. They were avid fans of the Gothenburg Swedes and the St. Louis Cardinals. She made the house on the corner of 1522 Avenue C the family home and gathering place for many. Her most favorite time was spent with her family and granddaughters, and she loved sitting on the front porch.

She is survived by her best friend and partner of 58 years, Larry Ostergard, her daughter Lori (Bruce) Clymer, Gothenburg, son Doak Ostergard (special friend, Ruthie Franzen) of Lincoln, Nebraska, daughter Lynn (Tim) Peterson, Gothenburg, and son Doug (Audra) Ostergard of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughters Kelsey Peterson, Lincoln, Jennie Clymer, Jill Clymer and Josie Clymer, of Omaha, Kiley Peterson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kaitlyn Peterson and Kira Peterson, Kearney, Logan Ostergard, Lincoln, Nebraska, and great-granddaughter, McKenna Peterson, Gothenburg; sister, Marilyn Hemenway of Omaha and sister, Sue Ostergard of Gothenburg; brother-in-law and sister-in-laws Jack and Mary Ostergard, Dick and Connie Ostergard and Ron and Kayleen Ostergard all of Gothenburg as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, LaVern and Dorothy Wickstrom; her mother and father in-law, Harry and Ilene Ostergard; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Jim and Betty Ostergard; and brother-in-law, Don Ostergard.

Visitation will be Monday, August 18, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE with the family present from 5-7 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1020 Lake Avenue, Gothenburg, NE.

Private Family Burial will take place in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, NE

A Memorial for undetermined use has been established in Joan’s name c/o Gothenburg State Bank, P.O. Box 81, Gothenburg, NE 69138.