William “Bill” John Oostra, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023. He was born April 20, 1933.

He always said that if he didn’t see his obituary in the morning paper, it was another day he’d have to work. After nearly ninety beautiful years, he can now enjoy his days off.

Whether he was farming, fishing for whoopensockers, sharing a beer with his friends and neighbors, teasing his grandbabies, or playing cards by Men’s Club rules, it was rare to catch Bill without a smile on his face. Growing up as one of thirteen of John and Kate Oostra’s children in Hull, Iowa, Bill frequently claimed, “If ya ain’t Dutch, ya ain’t much.” It was there that Bill met his lovely Dutch bride, Lowie (Lois Boeve). They became lifelong partners in 1953 and soon started a family. Bill and Lois moved to Southern Wisconsin for several years before planting their roots on a farm near Winneconne, Wisconsin in 1973.

Bill was a farmer, through and through. He had a green thumb and genuine fondness for animals of all kinds, but his true pride and joy was his family. Love grew with generations. He cherished Lois and their children, Rick, Verlyn and LuAnne. His heart swelled with each grandchild: Melissa, “Buck” (Chance), Lindsey, Valerie and his Jenny (Jennifer). His love lives on through his great-grandchildren. He often boasted, “God gave me the best, and everyone else got the rest.” In reality, the best dad and papa is ours.

Bill went to work full time on his family farm before ninth grade, but his witty advice offered us all lessons that aren’t taught in school. He always encouraged us to try new things because, after all, we weren’t going to learn any younger. He would certainly want us to remember that when you go fishing, don’t bring more bait than beer. If you want to have a million bucks farming, you’d better start with two million. Only two things melt in the rain, and you likely aren’t sweet enough to be sugar. Be careful, and if you can’t, don’t name it after him. And every day above ground is a good one.

Find comfort in knowing that Bill’s walk through the valley was a short one. His family held him as Jesus escorted him to his heavenly home. Lois met him at the pearly gates, reminding him to wipe his shoes, and he joyfully reunited with the loved ones he had been longing for.

His legacy includes his brother, Andrew (Wilmina) Oostra; sons, Rick (Peggy) and Verlyn (Nancy) Oostra; daughter, LuAnne Ujazdowski; grandchildren: Melissa (Jorge) Saint Geours, Chance Ujazdowski, Lindsey (Quinn) White, Valerie (Brian) Baumgart, and Jennifer Oostra; and great-grandchildren, Giovani and Aiden Saint Geours, Trenton, Lacy and Darla Baumgart, and Dean, Ruby and Penny White. We are also truly grateful for John and Roberta Pruchnofski, their daughters Bailey, Lizzie and Katie, and the many friends and neighbors that blessed Bill’s life.

Bill has requested that we forgo a funeral service. Instead, his immediate family will celebrate him with a more intimate celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  ­­­­­­­­

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.