Paul E Oesterreicher
Paul E. Oesterreicher, age 82 of Eau Claire, formerly of Durand, died Sunday at the Dove Healthcare South with his family by his side after a recent illness.
Paul was born on September 14, 1929 in Durand. He was the son of Engelbert and Esther (Olsen) Oesterreicher. He grew up in Durand and graduated from Durand High School. After high school, Paul took over the family grocery store in down town Durand when his father died. Paul married Donna Gasteyer on February 14, 1950 at St. Mary's in Durand. After marriage Paul continued to run Paul's Super Foods in Durand until 1979. Paul moved to Eau Claire and became a stock broker for Piper, Jaffary and Hopwood until retiring in 1989. One of Paul’s career highlights was in 1987 when he was named one of the top 10 brokers in the nation by the Registered Representative Magazine.
Paul loved to do woodworking, making many pieces of furniture for his children and grandchildren. In the summers, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family at their cottage on Lake Eau Claire as well as Grindstone Lake near Hayward. Paul enjoyed skiing with his family in Aspen and Upper Michigan. He loved to teach his children and grandchildren how to water and snow ski. Paul and Donna traveled the country, spending their winters in Florida and Arizona.
Paul was very active in the community; he was a Chairman of the Pepin County Housing Authority and made it possible to build housing for seniors in Pepin County. He was also a member of Lion's Club, the board of directors for Girl Scouts and volunteered with the Community Table and St. Francis Food Pantry.
Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna, children; Robert, Susan (Pat) McNally, both of Eau Claire, Linda (Jim) Bauer of Durand, five grandchildren; Rachel McNally of Eau Claire, Kyle (fiancé Kristi) of Madison, Paula Hovland of Meridean, Sam Bauer of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Max (Emily) Bauer of Chippewa Falls, three great grandchildren; Evan McNally, Toby Hovland and Carson Hovland, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by parents and one sister, Lois Poeschel.