Leland A Oster

Leland Albin Oster, 93, of Beulah, North Dakota, passed away on October 10, 2023 at Knife River Care Center in Beulah. Services will be held at 2:00 PM CDT on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church, Hazen, ND with Pastor Mark Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Hazen City Cemetery, Hazen.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM CDT on Monday, October 16 at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.

 Born at home to Albert (H.A.) and Hulda (Miller) Oster on November 10, 1929, Leland attended a farm school near his home during his primary years, initially speaking only German. He graduated from Hazen High School in 1947, and went on to study agriculture at NDSU.

Leland was a lifelong athlete, excelling in track and field during his high school years and continuing to run or walk regularly throughout his life. He cherished time spent with his beloved dogs, Eskie and Tubby, taking them for long walks in the local park. At the age of 50, Leland taught himself downhill skiing. He found joy in various outdoor activities such as waterskiing, cross country skiing, fishing, boating, ice skating and camping. Leland took pride in listening to countless books on Audible.com, and he enjoyed dancing polka with his wife, and listening to country and bluegrass music. He was one of the first among his family and friends to purchase and use a computer.

Leland's passion for fishing and boating led him to build his first boat at the age of 14. He eagerly shared his love for these activities with his friends and family, organizing fishing and camping trips, including memorable expeditions to Canada. These trips became a cherished tradition, beginning when his father reached the age of 70.

Leland dedicated a significant portion of his life to farming and ranching before retiring to Beulah. He was an active member of ND Farm Bureau, ND Stockmen's Association, Peace Lutheran Church, and enjoyed a membership in the local Toastmasters International. He married Inez (Engbrecht) Oster in June of 1955. Inez taught elementary school in Hazen until her death on March 31, 1979. The couple had three children together, a daughter and two sons. Leland was a fun-loving and devoted husband and father.

Leland later married Eunice (Retterrath) Oster on July 8, 1988, and they lived on the farm north of Hazen, until moving to their home in Beulah.

Even in retirement, he continued to pursue various jobs as they came up, including serving as the male activity director at Knife River Care Center and as caretaker at the Beulah Civic Center. Leland believed that work brought purpose to his life and kept him from feeling bored.

Leland is survived by his wife Eunice Oster of Beulah, ND, daughter Barbara Oster of Mesa, AZ, son Lowell Oster (Marie) of Miramar, FL, son Courtney Oster (Sharon) of Pahrump, NV, grandson Ian Kelly (Ines) of San Tan Valley, AZ, and granddaughter Caroline Oster of Miramar, FL. He also leaves behind sisters Ardella (Neil) Carlson of White Bear Lake, MN, Wilma (Jerry) Engh of Bismarck, ND, Mary Ann (Jim) Collins of Shreveport, LA, and Karen (Mike) Rockne of Wahpeton, ND, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he called home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to SMC Hospice or the giver’s choice.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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