"I remember all the childhood birthday parties, and I still have the agates we found adventuring in your Dads rock pit. Condolences to the family. Lana was a rare jewel. "
In loving memory of
Lana (Morrill) Ostermaier
June 15, 1947 - November 18, 2018
Lana Jane (Morrill) Ostermaier, 71, of Orange, Texas, died Monday, November 18, 2018 at her home in Orange. Her husband of 27 years, John, and other loving family members were with her. A gathering will take place at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles, MN beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Followed by services to remember Lana at 12:00 p.m. with the Reverend Heather E. Klason of St. Charles United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles, Minnesota. Services in Texas were held on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Orange.
She was born Lana Jane Morrill in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 15, 1947. She grew up in St. Charles, leading an idyllic childhood in "small town America" until she graduated as valedictorian from St. Charles High School and moved to Minneapolis to attend college. She attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a B.A. degree in Spanish and English. She married James Martin and they moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia for two and a half years, followed by another move to Tulsa, Oklahoma where she worked at a neonatal medical research facility. In January 1974, she moved to Orange, and with the exception of a seven year residence in Wilmington, Delaware, lived there ever since. She divorced and in 1991 married her best friend, John Ostermaier, to whom she was married for 27 years. They both shared a deep love of travel and have been to all seven continents and to over 85 countries. Their mantra was to do the things you love while you are still able, as you never know what may be just around the corner, and she and John followed that formula to the end.
Lana was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the church choir and hand bell choir. She was also a member of PEO Chapter GW, a philanthropic and educational organization for women. She enjoyed travel, reading, music, games, and family activities and, perhaps most of all, sharing laughter with her friends.
Mrs. Ostermaier is survived by her husband John; son, Jeremy Martin of Orange, and stepson, Jack (Katy) Ostermaier of Houston; brother, David (Marcia) Morrill of Rochester, MN; granddaughter, Zoë Martin of Orange, and step granddaughters, Emily and Abigail Ostermaier of Houston; and nieces, Mical (Jon) Peterson and Dana (Josh) Asleson.
In addition to her parents, Darwin and Lorraine Morrill, she was preceded in death by her son, James (Jamie) Martin.
Please share a memory of Lana at her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"My prayers and sympathy to all of Lana's family. May God give you comfort."
"My deepest sympathy at your family's loss. I also grew up in that "idyllic" small town with Lana and lived down the street from she and her family our last few years of high school. Whenever I think of Lana, the memory always include laughter -- she had such a unique laugh that you couldn't help but join in! Her spirit and love of life lives on through each of you and the memories she's given all of us who've had the privilege of knowing her. With prayers to all -- Shirley (Persons) Hunt"
"Dave and Marcia, I am so sorry for your loss. May your precious memories of Lana help you during those sad days! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!"