William Osterberg, 69

William Bliss Osterberg, 69, of Chaska, passed away January 21, 2012.

He was born July 20, 1942 to Helen and Leanor Osterberg in Alexandria, where he spent his childhood, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1960. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1960s, attaining the rank of sergeant. Before leaving the service in 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam, serving in the war effort from 1966-1968. Upon his honorable discharge in 1968, he returned to Minnesota. He was united in marriage on December 28, 1968 to Joan Soderholm and celebrated 43 years of marriage.

Their first years together they made their home in Minneapolis where he attended Minnesota School of Business, earning his associate’s degree. After graduation he was employed at Anderson Cadillac as credit manager. Having the opportunity to return to Alexandria, they made the transfer in 1972 and assumed ownership of the family restaurant, Osterberg’s Café. Early in the 1980s, with a change in occupation the family moved to Colorado where they resided for several years, working and raising their two sons, Judd William and Jon Bliss.

Bill was very active in the Rotary Club, serving as president of the Lakewood Chapter. Bill continued in the finance business, ending his career at Chase Bank. He accepted a transfer to Minnesota in 2006 where they settled in Chaska, continuing with Chase Bank as a regional rep, traveling extensively to his nine offices in the Northern Region. He retired from Chase in 2009 and devoted himself to his golf game. He loved the game, the camaraderie, the challenge, and watching the “greats” play.

His logo golf ball collection represented more than 400 different courses he had played. The last couple of years he had managed the Par 30, which is part of the Chaska Town Course. He played several other courses in the Cities and made friends with other golf enthusiasts. Bill was a kind, loving and loyal man who loved his family and friends. If you needed someone in your corner, Bill would be there.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Jon; daughter-in-law, Megan Eproson of California (wife of the late Judd Osterberg); sisters, Deanna Osterberg of Alameda, CA and Julie Sather (Jan) of Littleton, CO; father-in-law, Donald Soderholm of Glenwood; sisters-in-law, Carol Chestnutt of Oakland, CA, Kathy Morrell (Jay) of Monticello, Leone Howe (Mike) of Glenwood; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Judd Osterberg; parents, Helen and Leanor Osterberg; grandparents, Tina and Richard Osterberg; brother, Rodney Osterberg; his namesake, Uncle William Bliss; and mother-in-law, Norma Soderholm.

A memorial service was held Saturday, February 11 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. John Peshek as the officiant. Virginia Hegre and Becky Byrne provided music. Eulogies were given by Deanna Osterberg and Tom Kuhne.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2011FB15

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions