John Clarence Oster

The Osters were Germans-from-Russia and settled into farming in Weld County; where John C. was the third youngest of siblings who helped contribute to the family farm. He was never shy to hard work, make do, and be creative in piecing together equipment and resources to achieve the impossible. Growing up, he attended the Skyview School on country road 49 and county road 34 where they would ride horses to school as well as help the schoolteacher with chores before and after learning. John C. enjoyed playing games at recess; baseball was one of his favorites. Many would know John for his quick-witted sense of humor that would often test the attention of others. He never once let a chance to be a little ornery slip by. John C. completed his education and graduated the eighth grade. His common sense and rational thinking were proved through his mathematics knowledge, used in future jobs like carpentry, measuring water, and puzzling together tractors. His pastimes included resurrecting a bicycle with his brothers, being a mechanic, along with learning the trade and skills of agriculture. Most of his time after school was spent doing chores and caring for animals. The family came together in the evenings to listen to the radio and share a great big bowl of popcorn.

John C. met the love of his life early on, at the age of 11, when Janet S. Lapp joined her grandpa on visits to the neighbors and help with harvest. As the two of them grew up on their neighboring farms, they became closer to one another and learned to trust each other’s character. Because of their backgrounds, John C. and Janet found common grounds through respecting the simple way of life. They started dating when John C. asked Janet to a movie and the rest is history because they have been together ever since. While they were dating, John C. worked at the hay mill in Keenesburg. They were engaged for almost two years before being married on November 29, 1953, after the beets harvest and Thanksgiving. The ceremony took place at St. Johns with a cake and ice cream reception served in the church basement. There was not a honeymoon, but they worked together to fix up the bunk house at Seldon’s Ranch.

John C. worked on the Seldon’s Ranch for two years as a rancher to help fix fence, harvest crops, checked on cattle, and serviced the well. From there, John C. changed jobs to work for Ruben Herbst on their dairy. During this time, John C. and Janet welcomed their daughter Glenda. To help balance the seasonal tasks and income, John C. began making furniture at Western Wood Works Company while working on the Herbst Ranch. John C. enjoyed working for the Herbst family and stayed for four years until they found the place on Latham Reservoir to begin farming the 80 acres. While they were working on this farm, they welcomed their son John H. The Oster family stayed at the Latham Reservoir for five years, then they moved to a farm in Galeton. During this time, John C. worked nights at the sugar beet factory and farmed during the day. John C. and Janet decided to move back to the LaSalle area to farm on county road 47. During the seventeen years on this farm, John C. and Janet welcomed their youngest children Pamela, Cory, and Shannon. To move to the current farm on county road 51, the Oster’s sold their milking cows and John C. began working at the ditch company. He worked at the ditch company until he was injured and then got to be a full-time farmer, which was always his dream. There was a lot of living and memories made on a daily basis. He always worked on helping neighbors with farming and mechanical work, never ceasing to lend a helping hand. He was deemed an expert on rebuilding tractors and making general repairs.

John C. watched his children learn and grow throughout the years. He would often fashion wood working cabinetry projects along with other innovations to gift to his family and make life a little homier. Doing mechanic work always offered a challenge and puzzle for John C. to figure out. These projects were how he spent his “down time” because he enjoyed working with his hands.

Over the years, John C. experienced the goodness of love and faithfulness as he and Janet celebrated 68 years of marriage, raised five children and helped to raise grandchildren when life’s hardships presented themselves. It was playing with the grandkids that kept him young at heart, because he was sure to teach them his ornery sense of humor and silly pranks. John C and Janet modeled what a stable marriage looked like because it was balanced with love, responsibility, and commitment which also included daily shenanigans of playful pranks.

John C. was proceeded in death by his dad (John F.), his mom (Hallie), his brothers (Lewis, Floyd, Richard, Ivan, and Jim), sisters (Joy and Ruth), daughter in law Edie Oster, and granddaughter Jamie Bauer. He is survived by his wife, Janet, his brother Ted, his children Glenda (John Kontour), John H. (Debi Oster), Pamela (Rob Bauer), Cory, and Shannon (James Rines), and his grandchildren Nickie Hurley, Scottie Cox, T J Cox, John R. Oster, Hiedie Rulla, Wendi Oster, Tory Bauer, Nina Mullis, and Conrad Sutton. John C. was blessed to have eight great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ at 10:00 am March 2, 2022, followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall back at St. John’s. Memorial gifts are being made in John C. Oster’s name to St. John’s United Church of Christ 3815 W. 20th St. Greeley, CO 80634.