Erling "Bill" Walter Oestreich

Erling Walter passed away on November 3, 2017. He was born on January 13, 1929, the son of Ervin and Lois Oestreich. As a kid he was given the nickname Bill by two “mule skinners” that worked on the ranch and has gone by that name since. After attending the Harrington Schools for 12 years and graduating in 1947, he attended Eastern Washington State College. Bill married Frieda Timm in 1948 and one year later they moved to join Frieda’s father and brother on the farm just south of Harrington. For many years they raised and raced thoroughbred horses, and for a short time Bill became part of Playfair Race Course management. He also enjoyed his many rides with the Gentleman on Horseback. Bill was a longtime Harrington Lions Club member and Lincoln County Fire District #6 commissioner. In later years Bill and Frieda spent their winters in Peoria, AZ and their summers on the farm. After 60 years of marriage Frieda passed away in 2009. Bill continued living in Arizona in the winter, but in 2016 he moved to Fairwinds Retirement in north Spokane. People who met Bill were drawn to his constant sense of humor and he had many dear friends. He was preceded in death by infant son Daniel, his brother John, and wife Frieda. He is survived by daughter Cherie Manke and husband Tom, son Randy Oestreich and wife Kathy. (6 grandchildren) Kim Hartley and husband Matt, Krista Manke, Kendra Willingham and husband James, Cara Goedeking and husband Peter, Cory Oestreich and wife Bridget, and Dusty Oestreich and wife Alyssa. (9 great grandchildren) Sheydan and Jensyn McCoy, Hunter Manke, Jaymason and Jaden Willingham, Ellie Goedeking, Bayler and Paxtyn Oestreich, and Kyler Oestreich. A private family graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Harrington. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Harrington Opera House Society, PO Box 618, Harrington, WA 99134, or to the charity of your choice. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.