Obituary of Harriet Ostermann

A graveside service for Harriet Ostermann, age 90, of Spirit Lake, will be held Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Mrs. Osterman passed away December 16, 2018 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. Harriet Lee Ostermann was born in Worthington, Minnesota, on April 27, 1928, to Harry and Alice (Smith) Cunningham. She graduated from Worthington High School and went on to work as a dental assistant. It was in the dentist's chair that she met the love of her life, Daniel C. Ostermann. Harriet and Dan Married on February 1, 1948 in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Harriet was an integral part of the family business, Dan Ostermann Contracting Inc., where she served as accountant and office manager. Harriet and dan had a six week honeymoon in Mexico, which set the stage for their world travels, which usually involved fishing. She was an accomplished fly fisherman in fresh and salt water. Harriet earned her private pilot's license and instrument rating in 1963 and was a member of the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots. Some of her children's fonder memories are of accompanying her in tiny airplanes while she learned to fly. She was a vital member of her book club and played mahjong every week. She loved to knit and needlepoint and met frequently with her knitting group. Harriet was appointed to the Dickinson County Board of Zoning Adjustment, where she served ten years. She voted twice against the county airport, and she and Jeanne Hanby were the driving force behind silt sense regulations to keep sediment out of the Lakes. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: Friends of Lakeside Laboratory 1338 Highway 86 Milford, Iowa 51341 Or Okoboji Foundation PO Box 593 Okoboji, Iowa 51355 Harriet was a feisty, funny and formidable woman. When asked if she was sure about the graveside service if the weather was cold and snowy, her response was "they can wear long johns." A celebration of Harriet's life will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at a location to be determined.