Funeral services were held for John Oeser Saturday, July 25, 1987, at 10:30 a.m. at United Church in Westside, Iowa. Reverend Steve Myren of United Church in Westside officiated the service with music provided by Martha Freese, organist. Interment was in Hayes Township Cemetery with Gregg Oeser, Lyle Podey, Robert Koch, Daniel Oeser, Michael Hennings and Ronald Koch as casketbearers.
Masonic Memorial service was held Friday, July 24, 1987 at 8:00 p.m. at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning, Iowa.

John, son of John Jacob and Mary (Holst) Oeser, was born November 10, 1886 in Hayes Township, Crawford County, Iowa. He attended country schools near his home. John started farming as a youth following the death of his father.

October 8, 1913, John was united in marriage with Lena Biehl. Eight children were born to this union: Alvin, Velma, LaVerne, Marian, Lois, Norma, John, and Larry. John continued farming near Westside until the 1950's when his son, John, gradually took over the farm operation. In 1953 John's wife, Lena, died and he continued to make his home on the farm with his son.

November 2, 1962 John was united in marriage with Nettie Fischer and they made their home in Manning. Due to declining health John became a resident of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home June 4, 1982. He died there on Wednesday evening, July 22, 1987 at the age of 100 years, 8 months, and 12 days.

In earlier years John was active in community affairs. He served on the school board in Westside for over 30 years. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and of the Conservation Committee. During World War II he was active in war bond and Red Cross drives. In 1945 John received the Typical Farmer Award which gave him the privilege to travel to Washington D.C. and meet personally with President Truman. John was member of St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Westside, later the United Church of Westside. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and of the Five Mile House Schuetzen Verein.

Besides his first wife, John was preceded in death by his parents; by his daughter, Lois, in 1979; by four sisters, Clara Gust, Minnie Muse, Emma Frahm, and Alma Echoldt; and by two brothers, Louie and Herman Oeser.

John is survived by his wife, Nettie, of the Manning Plaza; by the following children: Alvin Oeser, of Westside; Velma Craig, of Des Moines; LaVerne and her husband, Dean Bruch, of Van Nuys, California; Marian and her husband, Ralph Hennings, of Council Bluffs; Norma and her husband, Leroy Koch, of Westside; John "Jack" Oeser and his wife, Geri, of Westside; Larry Oeser, of Council Bluffs; by three step-children: Eva Nobiling, of Westside; Roy Firscher, of Brainerd, Minnesota; and Julia and her husband, Ira Rowedder, of Denison; by 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and freinds.

Sandwiches, all "at the king's expense."
The former king explains his skill with guns stemmed from his hunting experience as a boy. He admits to no special training, but does recall competing in the Children's Day shooting in Manning.

Although the 97 year old reveals that he doesn't remember too many specifics from his days at the Verein celebrations, he explained that in the past women competed in a crock hit rather than a baseball throw. The female contestants were blindfolded, walked away, and returned to attempt to hit the crock with a stick.

Oeser speaks of his wife dearly and reminisced about the earlier years when they enjoyed dancing at the Five Mile House, the Three Mile House, and at Manning.

For now, the Centennial mug is proudly displayed on his night stand. The special printed mugs were presented to Oeser and a number of other members who have been in the Verein for over 50 years.

Oeser states that he would like to attend the upcoming Centennial celebration but does not have definite plans at this time. However, several of his descendants are still involved in the Verein.