Donald Oster

Donald August Oster, age 88, of Topeka, died Dec. 6, 2012, at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born Dec. 11, 1923 in Los Angeles, Calif., to Peter and Barbara Oster. He attended Los Angeles schools, the University of Southern California and Stanford University. He served in the Army from Dec. 19, 1942 until Dec. 8, 1945, and entered combat in June 1944 at Utah Beach with the 79th Infantry Division. His awards include Parachutist Wings, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal and four battle stars. After the war, he started his employment with Santa Fe Railway in Los Angeles, later transferring to Chicago and then, in 1968, to Topeka. He retired on April 1, 1984 as Assistant Vice President - Accounting. Mr. Oster maintained that the smartest thing he ever did was marry Patricia E. Harrigan at All Souls Catholic Church in Alhambra, Calif., in 1947. They shared a great many wonderful things during their marriage, including trips to more than 50 countries. The couple celebrated their 65th anniversary on Oct. 25 of this year, with all six of their children in attendance. Mrs. Oster survives. They were blessed with four sons and two daughters: Melvin G. Oster (Karen) of Newbury Park, Calif.; Mary E. Sunderland of San Diego, Calif.; Peter J. Oster (Connie) of Ballwin, Mo.; Donald P. Oster (Celeste) and Elizabeth E. Bertels (Mark), both of Overland Park; and Christopher C. Oster (Natalia) of Seattle, Wash. They also have 10 grandchildren. His family considers him to be the most honest, fair and generous man they have ever known. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Shawnee Country Club, the 313th Infantry Association, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Santa Fe Retirement Employees Club. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2012 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614. Rosary will be at 4 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be 10 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Church. Inurnment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Christ the King Church sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com. Donald Oster