Thomas A. Oesterling

Thomas Anthony Oesterling of South Bend, IN entered into Eternal Life at 11:30 pm, Saturday, November 26, 2022, in his home.

He was born on December 10, 1936, in Johnson County, IN. A couple of years later the family moved to Rush County, IN, where Tom attended Manilla Grade and High School, completing those years with his 11 fellow classmates.

Purdue was a challenge for Tom, achieving success in 1959 with the attainment of a BS degree in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying.  Upon Graduation, he signed up for a 6-year stint in the U.S. Army Reserves.

On May 6, 1961, Thomas married Betty Lou Jones in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Rushville, IN. They made their home in Rushville and Shelbyville, IN for 10 years, moving to South Bend, IN in the spring of 1972.

Tom spent 10 years with the Indiana State Highway Department, involved in many projects on I-465 around Indianapolis. On entering the private sector, he was employed by McMahan-O’Conner Construction Co., JC O’Conner Construction Co., Clyde E. Williams and Associates, Edward D. Jones, and the Abonmarche Group.  In 2007, Abonmarche Group presented Tom with a Lifetime Achievement Award, of which he was very proud.

He held memberships in the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors, the Knights of Columbus-4th degree, and St. Jude Parish-50 years.

Tom and his wife of 61 years Betty were blessed with five children: their oldest son, Stephen T., who passed away on April 26, 2016 at the age of 54. Surviving besides Betty are: Steve’s wife, Elizabeth Harris Oesterling; a son, Gregory J. and Nancy Hartman Oesterling; and their sons, Michael G. and Matthew J. of Houston, TX; two daughters: Anne M. and Rodney Wininger of Union MI, and Mary E. Oesterling of South Bend; and a son, Andrew M. Oesterling of Grovertown, IN; and his children: Gabriel M. and Lydia J. Oesterling.

Friends of the family may call from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, December 2, at McGann-Hay Funeral Home, 435 S. Ironwood at Jefferson; Rosary will be prayed at 4:30. Holy Mass will be celebrated for the repose of Tom’s soul on Sat., December 3, at 11AM at St. Jude Church, 19704 Johnson Rd., South Bend. Viewing at the church will take place for 1 hour before Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to: St. Jude Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Right to Life Michiana-2004 Ironwood Circle, Suite 130, South Bend, IN 46635.

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