John "Jack" Oeser

John “Jack” Melvin Oeser, Jr. was born on January 26, 1932, in Manning, Iowa, to John and Caroline Margareta (Biehl) Oeser. Known by many as “Jack,” he graduated from Westside High School before enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 20. He served in Germany and at Offutt Air Force Base in the Criminal Justice Department, receiving his honorable discharge on February 10, 1954.

On November 21, 1953, Jack married Geraldine “Geri” Vyborny at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha. The couple lived in Omaha until his military discharge, after which they moved to the Oeser family farm south of Westside. They made their home on the farm for 57 years, where Jack raised livestock, farmed the land, and instilled a strong work ethic in his family. He retired from farming in 2011, and in 2013, he and Geri moved to Carroll.

Jack was a member of the United Church in Westside and a longtime member of the Alfred Rosman American Legion Post 196 and Manning VFW Post 3517. He enjoyed bowling in a mixed league with Geri and a Men’s league in Manning, as well as participating in a local card club. An avid sports fan, Jack loved watching all sports, particularly cheering for the Ar-We-Va Rockets, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Creighton men’s basketball.

He took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren and the next generation of great-grandchildren. His greatest blessing was his large family, and he cherished the memories created during gatherings, including their last Christmas together.

After Geri’s passing in 2019, Jack remained in his Carroll home for several years before moving to Addington Place Assisted Living. There, he enjoyed meaningful friendships and especially looked forward to the nightly card games. The loving care of the staff made it truly home for him, for which the family will always be grateful.

Jack passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Accura Healthcare Nursing Home in Carroll at the age of 94 years, two months and 13 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geri Oeser; siblings: Alvin Oeser, Velma Craig, LaVerne Burch, Marian Hennings, Lois Oeser, Norma Koch and Larry Oeser.

He is survived by his children: Sheryl (Lyle) Podey, Gregg (Lori) Oeser, Dan Oeser, Janet (Rollie) Kroeger, Lynn Rittgers and Julie Meisinger; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and two on the way; several nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends. 

His funeral service will be held at 10:30, Monday, April 13, 2026 at the United Church in Westside with visitation held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30.