OBITUARY:
Melvin Johannes Ernst Oeatmann, son of Otto and Emma Anna Stutheit Oestmann, was born in Nemaha County. Nov. 15, 1921, one of 10 children.
He was baptized Dec. 4, 1921 at St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church by Rev. Theodore Streng and was confirmed April 5, 1936 by Rev. B.C. Wiebke.
He received his schooling in the Roosevelt District 26 rural school. He returned to the family farm to live the rest of his life. During World War II, "Pete" served his country in themedical detachment of the 180th Infantry in both France and Germany.
In 1952, Pete served for a year as a mission builder for the Lutheran Church, working in Arizona and California. He returned to the family farm and after the death of both parents, Pete and his brother, Norvell, have continued to make their home together. Pete was an active member of Bender-Reece American Legion Post No. 330 at Johnson and the VFW Post in Auburn.
July 17, while helping harvest on the Fred Ehlers farm, a stubble field caught fire. While working to put the fire out, Pete suffered a fatal heart attack. The rescue squad rushed him to the Nemaha County Hospital but he could not be revived. He died July 17, 1982, having reached the age of 60 years, eight months and two days.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by three brothers, Erhardt and Norvell of Johnson and Wilbert of Auburn; one sister, Mrs. Herman Bohling of Ruskin, Ne. other relatives and many friends.
Funeral servies were held July 20 at St. Paul Hickory Grove Lutheran Church, conducted by Rev. Ried Neve.
Pallbearers were Ted Bohling, Duane Palmer, Wayne Moerer, Orval Behrends, David Dunekacke and Eldon Neddenriep.
Music was provided by organist Mrs. James Gerking and a quarted. Assistiing with the flowers were Mrs. David Dunekacke and Mrs. Wayne Moerer.
Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery.