We are gathered here today as family and friends to grieve the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor: George Ostermeier, who was a man very special to all of us.

George was born Sept. 10, 1934 and passed away June 30, 2011 at the age of 76 years.

He was a respected person, who lived his life in a way that set an example for others. Today, as we say our final good-bye, it is also a time to honour, acknowledge and praise his many achievements.

George was born in Tegernbach Germany in 1934 and immigrated to Canada in 1960 with a single suitcase in hand and $40 in his pocket. Over the next 50 years he became a self-made businessman and an involved community and church member. His 76 years of life were active, purposeful and enjoyed.

He married his wife, Almagene, in 1963 and was married to her for 48 years. They raised five children together: Brian, Roy, Cora, Greg and Roger.

George was proud and devoted to his family. He raised his children in strong Catholic faith and strong work ethic.

On his land south of High Prairie where he lived, George did mixed farming and beekeeping where he spent many enjoyable hours working side by side with his wife, children and extended family on the farm and in his businesses.

George was an active parish member of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church and was the president of the parish council for 15 years, a constant volunteer, fundraiser and choir member. He proudly stood as a representative and voice of Catholic schools as a board trustee for 25 years. His faith and devotions to the church were loyal and longstanding.

George worked for 30 years at the High Prairie Hospital in management as the executive of housekeeping and laundry facilities were he was he was popular and well-liked for his fairness and understanding.

In 1982, George and his wife, Gene, bought the Joussard General Store. They traveled daily for 16 years to Joussard to manage the community business that included the post office, bus and bottle depots, and store itself. The time he spent at Joussard was the beginning of his business career where he loved the work and the people.

After tying to retire for a couple years ... in the year 2000 and at the age of 65, George built O’s Ice Cream Store, the thriving downtown business that became his pride and joy. He served the community with a hard work ethic and humble devotion not only to the business but the people of High Prairie that will never be forgotten. George was a very good man and was admired for his kindness, wisdom, fairness, honesty, service and trustworthiness.

George was also known for his friendliness, genuine interest in others and straightforward manner. Among other things George was a wild fur buyer and avid sports fan whose heart and pride was never very far from his homeland of Germany.

We, as a family, have great trust that George is now resting and in the hands of God alongside his son, Roger, who predeceased him in 1997.

The passing of George will be a tremendous loss to our church, our community and especially his wife, Gene, and family.

George was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

The passage of time will never really heal the loss of such a great man but we

will all carry on because we have to, and because George would want us to, and because we know the love, friendship, and guidance he gave to all of us will light our own paths out into the world.

May George be remembered with great respect and now rest in eternal peace.

The funeral for George was held July 6 at 2 p.m. at High Prairie St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Abraham Srambical officiating.

The eulogist was daughter Cora Ostermeier and the reader was daughter-in-law Tina Ostermeier.

Pallbearers were Gilbert Cusson, Archie Dupuis, John Kasnic, Greg Ostermeier, Maxwell Ostermeier and Roy Ostermeier. The Honourary pallbearer was Brian Ostermeier.

Interment followed in St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in High Prairie.