Henry Eugene "Gene" Oestereich, professionally known as Gene Oster, of Vero Beach, Fla., Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, born August 6, 1938, entered into eternal rest on Thursday January 25, 2024 at his residence with his wife and son at his side.

Gene was born in St. Louis, Mo., and was the 9th child born to Daniel and Louise Oestereich. He proudly served in the Missouri Air National Guard from 1959 to 1964 and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. It was during this time that he married the love of his life, the former Mary Joann Wanninger, in France. After his discharge, Gene continued his career in the automobile business in sales, management, and finally as an independent wholesale dealer. He retired in 2006 splitting his time between St Louis and Florida and moving to Florida permanently in 2019. In retirement, Gene loved spending time with his grandchildren and their various activities, his golf game with his buddies at Vero Beach Country Club, attending concerts, the theatre, casino outings, and traveling the world multiple times with his wife.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Louise, nee Newsome, Oestereich, his brothers Daniel, Arthur E. "Ed," Russell Oestereich and his sisters Marion "Sis" Hager, Shirley Jablonski, and Carol Beckler.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 61 years Mary Joann "Joan," nee Wanninger, Oestereich of Vero Beach, Fla., son Michael (Loretta) Oestereich of O'Fallon, Ill.; dear grandchildren Michala, Katherine Oestereich, both of New York, N.Y. and Dimitry Oestereich of Ridgeland, Miss. Also surviving are his brothers Frank (Erla), Robert (JoAnn), Richard (Marie-Louise) Oestereich and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Services will be held on Saturday February 17, 2024 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O' Fallon, IL 62269, with visitation from 9-11 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial to commence at 11 am, with Rev. Nicholas Junker and Msgr. William Hitpas concelebrating. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of Mass followed by fellowship luncheon in the parish hall. Private family interment will be held Monday, February 19, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Park in St Louis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or St. Nicholas Church would be greatly appreciated.