John Osler
John Dutton Osler was born June 26, 1927, on his grandfather Joseph Osler’s homestead nine miles south of Elsie, Nebraska. He passed away July 5, 2021. He had recently turned 94 years of age.
His parents were Frank and Bertha Osler. John had three sisters, Katherine, Barbara and Dorothy; and two brothers, Frank and Robert; all of whom preceded him in death.
In 1936, he moved with his family to the place south of the Blanche Cemetery. He attended the Blanche school and later graduated from Chase County High School in 1944.
John was drafted into the Army in 1945 and was discharged in 1946 with the rank of sergeant. John continued his education at the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy.
While at the university, he was a member of the Innocents Society, Corn Cobs (the crop judging team) which competed in Kansas City and Chicago, Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta and Alpha Gamma Rho social fraternity. He was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement in 1972.
In November of 1949, John married Joan Ruth Fredrickson in Valley. They set up housekeeping in Wauneta where John taught a Veterans’ Ag class for three years.
In 1953, they moved to the farm where he was born. They lived there for 28 years. They had one of the first irrigation wells in this upland location and were able to help develop certified grass seed production on a commercial basis.
Five children came to live with them at this location, Susan Kay, Scott Edward, Douglas Robert, William Frank and Amy Joan.
In 1982, John and Joan moved to Imperial where they enjoyed activities at the United Methodist Church and square dancing. John was active in Masons for over 70 years and also in Lions for many years.
John had a great love of history and spent many hours working at the Chase County Museum and at the Blanche Cemetery.
John and Joan resided in the Imperial Heights when Joan passed away in 2016. John has enjoyed the staff’s care and companionship at the Heights and the Manor.
John especially loved spending time with his children and following the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Susan (Steve) Hanson of Elsie and Amy (Clark) Hemje of Adams; three sons, Scott (Debbi) Osler of Elsie, Doug (Jody) Osler of North Platte, and Bill (Gail) Osler of Aurora, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Nick Hanson, Laura (Hanson) Barrett, Michael Osler, Chris Osler, Sally (Osler) Andersen, Victoria Osler, Amanda (Osler) Frickey and Josie Osler; eight great-grandchildren: Ryleigh, Max and Bradley Hanson, Mason and Sam Barrett, Brynlee Osler, Harrison Osler and Violet Andersen; and a brother-In-Law, Phil (Hedy) Fredrickson of Seattle, Washington.
Funeral services were Monday, July 12 at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial with Pastor Debra Copple officiating. Inurnment followed at the Blanche Cemetery, rural Elsie.
Memorials in John’s memory have been suggested to the Osler family for a designation to the Chase County Historical Museum or the Blanche Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com. Liewer Funeral home is entrusted with arrangements.