Kathryn Buelow Oestricher passed away peacefully at her home in the early morning of April 23, 2020 at the age of 59. Kathryn was born September 19, 1960 in Elmhurst, IL to Paul J. and Donalyn (Krueger) Buelow. Kathryn moved to Ada, OK with her family in 1964 where she attended Hayes Elementary and Ada Junior and Senior Highs. Kathryn attended East Central University in Ada and graduated from Oklahoma State University. After graduation in 1983, Kathryn moved to Fort Worth, TX for work, where she met her future husband Rick Oestricher. The two were married on April 19th, 1986 and were lovingly married for 34 years. During her time in Fort Worth, she had the opportunity to work for several construction companies, where she was able to pursue her passion in construction management. In 1993 she began a job at the Federal Aviation Administration, where she held several positions ultimately ending as the NAS Defense Program Central Service Area Liaison.
Kathryn was, first and foremost, a loving and committed wife to her husband, Rick Oestricher, and an amazing mother to her two sons, Ricky and Joshua. She was a go-getter and could accomplish anything she set her mind to. Kathryn was a dedicated member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst, TX, where she served many roles, including Assistant Executive Director, Call Committee, Youth Board member and loved spreading the good word to hundreds of kids as an Arts and Crafts instructor for Vacation Bible School. Kathryn loved her job and industry and was a member of several professional organizations. She served, for a time, as the president of National Association of Women in Construction, a position she proudly held as a representative of women in the field. She was also very involved in the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers. Kathryn loved spending time with her family and friends and enjoyed playing games and cards – especially Bunco. She loved traveling the world - going to places like Israel, Germany, Mexico, Alaska and more.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents, The Reverend Paul and Donalyn Buelow, and her brother, David Buelow. Kathryn is survived by her husband of 34 years, Richard Philip Oestricher, two sons and their fiancées, Richard “Ricky” Oestricher and Alison Leven and Joshua Oestricher and Heather Perry, all of Fort Worth.
Kathryn is also survived by three siblings, Debbie Wilkerson and husband Gary of Oklahoma City, OK, Michael Buelow and wife Marilyn of Fort Smith, AR, and Keith Buelow and wife Diane of Ada, OK, and Aunt Jane Krueger of Seattle, WA, Aunts and Uncles, Jerry and Harriet Buelow of Bloomington, MN, and Marion and Waldo Schlipp of Cambridge, MN as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The First Lutheran Church of Ada, OK, The WHHS Cougar Pride Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
“Well done, good and faithful servant”
