Jeanette M. Oestermyer 86, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 5:45 P.M. Wednesday April 20, 2016 at Life Care Center of Rochester.

She was born on April 8, 1930 in La Porte County, Indiana, the daughter of Irwin and Pearl (Jones) Hakes. On September 11, 1948 in La Porte, Indiana, she married Norman L. Oestermyer and he survives.

Mrs. Oestermyer had worked as an executive secretary for New Mexico State University and for Purdue University. She had also worked for American Home Foods in La Porte for many years. She was a member of The Cross Church in Rochester. While residing in New Mexico for many years, she was the church secretary for the Roswell Christian Church. In her spare time she enjoyed playing the piano, organ, looking for antiques and spending time with her beloved cats. She was a gifted poet, writing many poems and short stories, including publishing her own book of poetry. While residing in New Mexico, she founded the High Plains Poet Society.

Survivors include her husband, Norman L. Oestermyer, Rochester, Indiana, daughter, Deborah Marie and husband Richard Rennier, Rochester, Indiana, grandchildren, Richard and wife Jean Rennier, Wanatah, Indiana, Lisa Cooley, Valparaiso, Indiana, great grandchildren, Kelsey Rennier, Wanatah, Indiana, Noah Cooley and Dylan Cooley, Valparaiso, Indiana, brother-in-law, Eugene and wife Marcia Oestermyer, Lubbock, Texas. She was preceded in death by her son, Vincent Oestermyer, sisters, Wanda Clemons and Mary Nona, brothers, Rolland Hakes and Pudge Hakes.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Monday April 25, 2016 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana, with Rev. Martin Furrows officiating. Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to service Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Patton Cemetery, La Porte, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers’ Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

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