HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 22, 2024 Fern Ostberg Birthday Recognition' or 100 1�
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I'm delighted to be here today to celebrate the amazing life of one of our beloved residents, Fern Shawhan
Ostberg.
Fern was born on July 22, 1924, in Kansas City, Kansas, and spent her early years in Iowa with her parents
and two sisters. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1946 with a double major in dietetics and
institutional management. After college, she moved to Minnesota for a job at Macalester College in St.
Paul. It was there, in 1948, that she met her future husband, Edward Ostberg while volunteering at a
summer children's program.
Fern and Edward married on June 18, 1949. They lived in Minneapolis until 1953 when they moved to St.
Anthony Village, where they stayed until 2014. In 2014, they moved to the Boulevard, part of Crestview
Senior Communities in Columbia Heights.
They raised five children, four of whom are with us today. Fern worked as a dietician, and Edward as an
electrical engineer. Still, they always volunteered for many organizations, including Habitat for Humanity,
Meals on Wheels, Simpson Housing Services, Northeast Senior Services, Heifer International, and the
United Methodist Committee on Relief.
When Edward passed away in 2016 at the age of 94, Fern continued to live at the Boulevard. She remains
an active member of her senior community and her church, Faith United Methodist Church in St. Anthony.
She keeps in close touch with friends she has known her entire life. She enjoys playing Scrabble and card
games weekly, listening to books on tape, and participating in a book group. Fern believes her long life is
due to healthy eating and a willingness to try new things.
Today is July 22, and we are honored to celebrate Fern's 100th birthday at the city council meeting. The
council and city staff extend our heartfelt wishes for Fern to have a very happy birthday. Your life is a
wonderful example of dedication, service, and love. Thank you for everything you have done for our
community. We celebrate you today and always.
Thank you.
Presented by the office of the Mayor on July 22, 2024
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A ADA MA-LlrQUEZ SINJ 9LA,14,AYOR
City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota