Joseph F. Osterman

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Joseph F. Osterman, 65, of Iron Belt, Wis., died unexpectedly Sunday evening, Aug. 16, 2015, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood.

Joe was born July 14, 1950, in Ironwood, to Martin and Margaret Osterman, and grew up in Ironwood, graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1968.

He served in the U.S. Army in 1969 and received a medical discharge. He then did a formal apprenticeship with Cherne Contracting Co. in Ironwood and worked as a plumber, pipe fitter, steam fitter, certified gas mechanic, and oil spill recovery expert.

He was ordained a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1988 and ran the Total Faith Ministries Food Pantry in Montreal, Wis., until 2001.

Joe married Kathleen A. Ramme on July 10, 1971. They divorced in 2001.

He then married Donna L. Hettinger on Sept. 6, 2003. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Joseph (Kathy), Hurley, Wis., David (Carrie), Wausau, Wis., and Brian (Roxanne), Hawaii; a daughter, Beth Ramme, Ironwood; seven grandchildren; his mother, Margaret Shumaker, Ironwood; two brothers, Martin Jr. (Carol), Ironwood, and Paul (Tana), Hurley; two sisters, Marge Negri, Marquette, and Mary Nelson, Wausau; brothers-in-law, Everett (Irene) Hettinger and David (Joyce) Hettinger; sister-in-law, Rebekah (Wally) Watland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father, Martin J. Osterman, in 2005; and a brother, Frankie.

Per Joe's wishes, cremation has taken place and private family services will be held.

Interment will be in Glenflora Cemetery, Glenflora, Wis., at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.