Lillian Krans Osterberg

Lillian (VanDamme) Krans-Osterberg, age 95, passed away peacefully on June 17, surrounded by her family. Lillian was a resident of Aurora, WI, for 65 years and made her home with her daughter, Kathy, in Union Grove, WI for the past year and one half. She was born on March 17, 1918 in Norway, MI to the late Ed and Mary (Buytaert) VanDamme. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1937. Before her marriage, she worked at Confeld's Clothing Store as an accomplished seamstress, which led to her lifelong love of sewing and the creative arts. Lillian married Vernon Krans in 1942. Vernon preceded her in death in 1979. They were married for 38 years. She married Carl Osterberg in 1983 and he preceded her in death in 1997. For many years, Lillian and Vernon owned and operated Krans Heating Co. and Krans Supply (Farmers Feed Store). They enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, bowling, gardening and caring for their home and yard. She was a member of the Aurora Free Church and enjoyed teaching Sunday School for over 30 years. During her marriage to Carl Osterberg, they traveled extensively and loved to golf. Lillian loved to dance, play cards, read, swim, and continued golfing until her late 80's. In the last year and a half, she attended as many of her great-grandson, Sam's baseball and basketball games as she could. Lillian was the loving mother of Kathy (Bob) Christiansen of Union Grove, WI, Dale (Linda) Krans of Oconomowoc, WI and Jeff (Kay) Krans of Manitowish Waters, WI. She was the proud and loving Grandma to Jenny (Kevin) Greenthal, Alicia (Todd) Gettelfinger, Jessica (Steve) Pitzel, Andy (Sofia) Krans, Michael (Matt) Krans, Elizabeth (Rick) Leach, and Amy (David) Pastre. Lillian had 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by the children of Carl, brother-in-law, Clarence Osterberg, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Lillian had a special relationship with her nieces, Marilyn (Jack) Watson, the late Audrey Carlson, Loraine Larson, Gayle Trible, Karen Andrusco, and also with Sally Osterberg. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank, John, Alfred, and Albon and a sister, Isabelle. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established in Lillian's name. Donations may be made to the Lillian Krans Osterberg Scholarship Fund. Lillian was extremely proud of the fact that all of her children and grandchildren were college educated. Visitation will held on Monday, June 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. A celebration of Lillian's life will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. John Arvid Carlson will officiate. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery. There will be a gathering for family and friends following the cemetery services. Condolences to the family of Lillian Krans Osterberg may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Lillian Krans Osterberg

March 17, 1918 - June 17, 2013