Marian L. Osterberg

MADISON - Marian Lorraine (Lee) Osterberg passed on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, as the result of long-standing health issues. She was born in Avon Township, Rock County on Nov. 30, 1935, the youngest of four children born to Bertha (Thorson) Lee and Herbert Lee. She grew up on a farm outside of Brodhead, Wis., and lost both of her parents within a period of fourteen months as an early teenager. She graduated in 1953 as Brodhead High School’s Salutatorian. Marian moved to Madison and met Thomas Osterberg in 1960 and they were married on June 30, 1962 in Fairfax, Va. They returned the following year to Madison, where she lived for the rest of her life. She became a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison in 1962 and Bethel served as a beloved focal point since that time. After raising three sons, Marian returned to the world of work and eventually served as the Volunteer Coordinator at Bethel Lutheran Church before moving into her dream job as the Assistant to Senior Pastor Bill White for fourteen years and then some. In addition, Marian found ways to serve the larger community by visiting new parents of children with Down Syndrome in the hospital, helping to facilitate TASK (Talk About Special Kids), and being a member of Meriter Hospital’s Ethics Board for a number of years. After retiring in 2007, Marian remained active at Bethel by singing in the Women’s Choir, lending a hand in the food pantry, welcoming new members, and being part of committees when asked. Marian also stayed active with a large collection of very special friends and served as a completely devoted fan and chauffeur for her grandchildren. Marian is survived by her sister, Barbara (Eugene) Haak; sons, Erik Osterberg of Madison, Stephen (Sally) Osterberg of Menasha and Peter Osterberg of Madison; grandchildren, Alexis and Wesley Osterberg of Menasha and Anthony, Aaron, and Michael Osterberg of Madison; and many special nieces and nephews and in-laws across the country. Marian is preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother, Richard; older brother, Howard (Vallerie) Lee; and her husband, Tom. Marian was a deeply caring and generous daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend - she was loved and admired by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday July 10, 2021. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial in the company of other family members will follow at Luther Valley Cemetery in Beloit. Memorials may be given in Marian’s name to any of the many programs that she cared deeply about at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761