Elsie Anna (Doberneck) Osterbur

Elsie Anna (Doberneck) Osterbur moved on to her forever home on Saturday, May 13th , 2023 at the age of 89 years.  Born on July 15, 1933, to Karl Doberneck and Anna Fredricka (Lutz) Doberneck who immigrated from Roigheim and Lomersheim, Germany in 1923 and met in the US.  Elsie was the 2nd of 3 children.  Both of her siblings and their spouses predeceased her (Walter (Hilde) Doberneck (May 2008) and Dorothy “Dottie”(Robert) Kelly (June 2016).

Elsie chose to marry Erwin Osterbur on March 2, 1952.  And they enjoyed 71 years of married bliss! Together they survived several cross-country moves compliments of the Navy before settling back home in the Midwest (Illinois) (St. Joseph, Royal and Rantoul).  Elsie is mom to Kathy (Conrad) Mandsager, Kristi (Joe) Lucariello and Kevin (Elaina) Osterbur; Grandma to 8 grandchildren (grandson, Thad Mandsager predeceased her in 2014), and Oma to 8 great-grandchildren.

Elsie was a cherished friend to many because of her generous and bubbly spirit and always welcomed people into their home. She was active in her church (Prince of Peace in St. Joseph and American Lutheran Church in Rantoul), directing children’s choir, adult choir, Sunday School teacher, decorator-designer of altar banners drapes, quilt ministry and so much more.

Outside her church activities, Elsie was a member of Sweet Adelines, loved camping, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Her creative talent in art and sewing blossomed into some of the most spectacular quilts ever made which she has lovingly gifted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over the years in celebration of birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other special events.

She was baptized in her faith in Chicago (where she lived until 6th grade) and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford. She attended Gifford Elementary School and graduated from Rantoul High School with the class of 1951.

Elsie’s work career spanned many places while following her husband during his military service; but her favorite job was working with Erwin at the Worldwide Travel Agency in Rantoul where she specialized in getting to know each customer personally so as to offer the best customer service in the region and leading travel groups all over the world.

The Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at American Lutheran Church in Rantoul, 500 Church Drive, Rantoul.  Rev. Jeanette Thorp will officiate.

The family will be greeting friends for one hour prior to the service at American Lutheran Church.

Her ashes will be inurned at St. John’s Cemetery, Royal, IL.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul is handling the arrangements.