Obituary

Sharon Kay (Bohlken) Oestmann, only child of Floyd W. and Lucille T. (Hutton) Bohlken was born August 4, 1939 in Auburn, Nebraska. Sharon was baptized on Sept. 3, 1939 at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church by Reverend Gustav Wiencke, and was confirmed November 8, 1953 by Reverend Carl Goede, also at Stone Church. Sharon attended Old Muddy District 41 School as a young girl, and graduated from Auburn High School.
On October 5, 1958, Sharon was united in marriage to Paul LaVern Oestmann at Stone Church by Pastor William Freuling, Two daughters, Teresa and Tammy, were born to this union. The couple moved around Southeast Nebraska from town to town while LaVern worked different construction jobs, until moving to Johnson so the girls could start school. The couple eventually made their home in rural Nemaha County, where they were members of Martin Luther Lutheran Church. Sharon was very active in the church, where quilting was just one of her many contributions.
Sharon was a "perfectionist" when it came to being a homemaker. She could spot something out of place, even a speck of dust, from across the room. She loved to garden and decorate her house. Sharon enjoyed to travel, go to the occasional wine-tasting, antiquingbird-watching, and doing crossword puzzles. Her favorite pastime, however, was always spent with family.
On November 12, 2012, Sharon was admitted to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. It was there she passed away on Nov. 20, 2012 at the age of 73 years, 3 months and 16 days. Her parents, and husband LaVern preceded her in death.
Sharon is survived by daughters, Teresa and husband Nick Bantz of Auburn, Tammy Oestmann of Chicago, IL. grandchildren Danya and husband Kyle Stanley of Lincoln, Tristan Brakhahn of Wilber, Cody Reed of Falls City, Caitlin Reed of Falls City; step-grandchild Alexis Bantz of McCook; step-great-grandchildren Taylor, Tanner, and Travis Stanley; sister-in-law Elvera Hietbrink of Papillion; brothers-in-law Melvin Oestmann of Weeping Water, Henry and wife Lillian Oestmann of North Bend. other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services Monday Nov. 26, 2012--11:00 a.m. Martin Luther Lutheran Church Johnson, NE.
Officiating Rev. Bruce Berggren.
Special Music: "How Great Thou Art", "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"--Choir "Borning Cry" Choir "and Amazing Grace".
Organist: Phyllis Davis and the Martin Luther Choir--Vocals.
Pallbearers: Tristan Brakhahn, Cody Reed, Kyle Stanley, Randy Bohling, DJ Thompson and Alton Eltiste.
Flower attendants: Danya Stanely and Caitlin Reed.
Final Resting Place Martin Luther Cemetery, Johnson, Nebraska.

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
good friends, good times,
a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me
God wanted me now:
He set me free. 

Paul Lavern went by name Lavern Oestmann. He was baptized May 16, 1937 Martin Luther Church. he was buried on Jan. 13, 2004 in Martin Luther Cemetery with services at the same church.  He married Oct. 5, 1958 Nemaha County, Nebraska to Sharon Kay Bohlken born August 4, 1939, Auburn, Nemaha, Nebraska.  They had 2 children, Teresa Dawn Oestmann Born 1960 at York, Nebraska and Tammy Dee Oestmann b. Nov. 16, 1962 at Fairbury, Jefferson, Nebraska.  Lavern's parents were: Alvin F. and Della E. (Gobber) Oestmann