Geraldine M. Oster

Geraldine Martha Oster August 9, 1936 - December 4, 2020 Geraldine Martha Oster passed away peacefully on December 4, 2020. She was 84 years old. Daughter of Earnest and Wilma (Hintz) Hinner. Sister of Roger, Billy, Dolores, Jocelyn and Carol. She was born in Rothschild, WI, lived on the family farm until moving to Marinette, WI when she started her own family with her childhood sweetheart Loren. At age 17 she dropped out of high school to have her first son; Steven, (Sue), grandchildren Ryan (Erin), Eric (Becky), great grandchildren Gavin and Cooper. Before the age of 20 she had her first and only daughter; Vickie, (ex husband Tom), grandchild Michelle (Charlie), great grandchildren Max and Logan. Life took a pause for 8 years before twin boys were welcomed into the family. Dean, (Eileen), granddaughter Amanda (Ben) and great granddaughter Hayden. Dale, (Kathy). Within 2 years the final child was born, Mark, (Diane), grandchildren Sara and Jason. Shortly after Mark was born, she became a single mom. Struggling with minimal education and training she found the strength to survive, working various jobs, sometimes 2nd and 3rd shift to put food on the table with state assistance of food stamps. Steve and Vickie were asked to grow up quickly to support her in caring for the younger siblings, spending most of their summers babysitting while she worked. After her 2nd marriage she found happiness and joy with her 3rd husband Earl. In 1991 her son Mark married them on their front lawn. The acre lot became a playground for family parties and volleyball games. Her son Dean built a beautiful rec room where numerous holiday and social gatherings were held. She retired from Gossen corporation at age 65 after climbing the ranks to warehouse supervisor with only an 11th grade education. Over the next 15 years she enjoyed taking care of her home and husband, sharing time with close neighbors Mary and Ed and family. Later during that time her husband became ill and caring for him took a toll on her own health. She soon realized taking care of the big house and lot was no longer possible. It was time to look for Independent Living. It was July 2017 when she first visited Village Point Commons (VPC). Judy, the sales manager at the time showed her some options and then invited her to lunch in their dinning room. During the tour she met Jean. Judy described her as the “social ambassador” who made so many “newbies” feel welcomed. Her and Jean became great friends and helped her ease into her new home. She made several friends at VPC over the 3 1/2 years she lived there. Rose became such a faithful friend to her. Always there when she needed someone to play cards a little longer or to answer the phone at 2am if she needed help. Margaret, Rita, Roberta, Dorothy and Ellie joined Jean and Rose for daily card playing and lunch. These women and many more were her steadfast support and companionship until her final days. Spending most of her life with siblings, kids, grandkids, great grandkids, 3 husbands and friends always by her side, her final days were spent alone with the help and support of frontline workers and Hospice care teams. The reality of Covid restrictions kept away all those that loved her. She not only had to put trust in herself but to find faith and support within the Lord. After several calls from her children and the final video call with her daughter, she took the hand of God and went to her final resting place. May she find the peace, strength and love that she struggled with for so many years of her life. She will be missed by many.