A NOTE FROM THE FAMILY REGARDING THE FUNERAL POSTPONING:

Dear friends, I’m writing to let you know that Jeanne’s extended family has made the difficult decision to postpone the celebration of her life until sometime after April 15. We feel deeply that this event should be a joyful occasion - without concern for physical closeness or safety. Please follow this site, WEFC, and this website for updates and continuing information. We will do our best to keep all informed as the path to rescheduling becomes more clear and a new date  is finalized. I also ask you the great favor of telling others about this change in plans so no one is caught unawares (and comes to WEFC on the 20th in error).

Jeanne Osterby passed away peacefully February 23, 2020 at the age of 90. She is preceded in death by parents and one brother. Survived by daughter, Krisan (Jay), son, Erik (Heidi), grandchild, Kaj (Jayce), brother, Ray (Judy), and loving relatives and friends of all ages. Jeanne was a retired elementary school teacher and devoted community servant, gardener and world traveler. 

Jeanne was born on November 13, 1929 and raised in Hutchinson MN, the first child of a one room school teacher and the city’s last blacksmith. 

She graduated from St Cloud Teachers College with a Certificate for Elementary Education and began her career in Hopkins. She initiated a teacher exchange program to Hawaii before she married. She gained her Bachelor of Arts degree while substitute teaching full time for Wayzata and Hopkins School districts and raising her children – driving from Wayzata to evening classes at St. Cloud University and taking distance courses through public television. She completed her career at Adams School in Coon Rapids, teaching 3rd and 6th grade for 18 years. 

Jeanne resided at her home on Harmony Circle in Wayzata for 63 years. She was an avid gardener of flowers, vegetables, strawberries and raspberries. As a daily walker, she met new neighbors and greeted old friends. Mementos from around the world filled her home: stones, “empty bowls”, books, and photos of friends and family. She refinished by hand many of the primitive antiques she loved. She was one of the earliest contributors to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and a proud member of the Leon Snyder Heritage Society. 

She devoted her early retirement to caring for her grandchild. Her love for all culture and history energized her travels around the world, including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. In 2010, at the age of 80, she took her last international trip to Mongolia with a mission team from Wayzata Free Church. 

Until her death, she passionately volunteered in her church and community. Elementary children at Gleason Lake and Oakwood Schools were enriched through her mentoring, tutoring and reading. She faithfully served coffee for two bible study groups, was an active member of the Adult Committee for Young Life Northwest Twin Cities, a devoted supporter of the Wayzata Historical Society, and an advocate for neighborhood preservation.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Young Life Northwest Twin Cities, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, or Wayzata Free Church (gifts will be directed to Peru). 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanne L (Jorgenson) Osterby, please visit our floral store.