AMBOY – James A. “Beak” Oester, 62, of Amboy, died Friday, May 6, 2011, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Jan. 16, 1949, in Amboy, the son of Delmar and Leah (Holland) Oester. He worked for Commonwealth Edison for 32 years before retiring. He also was a lifelong farmer in the Walton area.
He was a veteran of the Army during the Vietnam War era, and a member of the Marion Township Board. He married Colleen Finn on Sept. 11, 1971, at St. Mary Church, Walton. He is survived by his wife of Amboy; one son, Brian (Amy) Oester of Princeton; one daughter, Stephanie (Jim) McLaughlin of Amboy; four grandchildren, Mitchell and Madelyn McLaughlin, and Sophia and Jack Oester; and one sister, Mary (Dick) Payne of Amboy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Richard Oester.
A prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home, Amboy, followed by graveside services at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Cemetery, Amboy, with Monsignor Thomas Bales officiating. Military graveside honors, accorded by the Amboy American Legion, will follow. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established. Visit www.thejonesfh.com to send condolences.