Christine Ann Oesterreich

Christine Ann Oesterreich, 69, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019.

She was born July 25, 1950, in Jackson, Minnesota, the daughter of Edward and Harriet (Mickle) Wehrkamp. She graduated from H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, TX. She received a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas. Her Bachelor's degree in Social Work was from Washburn University.

Christine was a very caring and giving person. This was best exemplified by her 25 plus years in the Social Work field. Highlighting her career was her involvement as Supervisor for the Topeka Job Club, Topeka State Hospital, and Kansas State Social and Rehabilitation Services. She also worked at Menninger Foundation and Irwin Army Community Hospital specializing in crises and family preservation.

Christine raised her family in the Lutheran faith at Christ Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. In her later years she enjoyed services at the Vineyard in Northeast Kansas City, Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana, and finally Topeka Bible Church in Hi Crest. Christine delighted in sharing her faith joyfully with anybody, and consistently gave testament to God's Glory.

Christine was active in 4H growing up and passed that on to her children. She loved sewing, macramé, ceramics, scrapbooking, and wreath-making. She loved to create and share her creations with her family. While raising her children she was widely known for her baking skills, and even took several prizes at the Auburn Grange Fairs.

Christine married Gene Oesterreich on November 6th, 1971 in Holton, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 19th, 1996. Survivors include a son, Jason (Amie) Oesterreich, son, Justin (Aimee) Oesterreich, daughter, Kelly Eisenbarth and son, Robert (Crystal) Oesterreich; sister, Terri Dodd, sister, Cheryl Wichman, brother, Todd McCrite, and sister, Roxanne Mattocks; 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild and her beloved dog, Belle. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Larry Wehrkamp and brother-in-law, Dale Wichman.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2019 at the Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service. Memorial contributions may be made to World Vision International.
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A Funeral Ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2019 at the Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to World Vision. The organization helps kids and families in greatest need lift themselves out of poverty. To donate directly, please visit https://www.worldvision.org/donate or mail donations to World Vision P.0. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.