God called Irene Oster, 98, of Spearfish, SD, to His heavenly home on August 21, 2021. Irene wa s 98 ½ years young.

Irene (Pfeifle) Oster was born November 5, 1922, near Herreid, SD, the daughter of Gottlieb and Karolina (Koegle) Pfeifle. Irene's mother passed away when she was four years old, and her father raised Irene and eight siblings in the Herreid, Mound City areas. Irene kept busy attending school, helping with family chores, and working on nearby neighborhood farms, often rising extra early to get chores done to make sure she got to school on time.  She learned at a young age the life skills of organizing tasks, time management and how to prioritize.  At school she excelled in academics and won multiple awards in sporting activities.

Irene married John Oster Jr., and they purchased a farm near Java, SD, where they started their family. In 1953, they sold the farm and moved to Spearfish where John worked for Homestake sawmill and Mining Company in Lead. Irene raised their five children and worked with the Spearfish school district lunch program and helped manage local motels and apartments.  She was a champion in showing her children good work ethics. Irene has been a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Spearfish for 68 years. Irene had a strong faith in God, believing there was good in everyone and was always welcoming and friendly towards all. Her energy and strength were always apparent in everything she did. Everyone was welcome in her home and she was known as 'Mother' and 'Grandmother' by many. Our mother is now in God's hands watching over us and will be dearly missed.

Irene "Little Grandma" is survived by her children: Arlene (Roger) Kromarek, Harley (Karen) Oster, Sylvia (Ron) Hanson, Bruce (Cheryl) Oster, Jerry (Laura) Oster; ten grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren

Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. on October 8, 2021, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Spearfish, SD. Interment to follow at Rose Hill cemetery in Spearfish, SD.

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