Ernest Osterbur, 96 of Ogden passed away at 3:23 P.M. Friday August 5, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday August 10, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Emil Blobaum will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

 Ernest was born August 20,1925 on the family farm in Ogden Township where he spent most of his life. The son of Lubbe and Helene (Hurling) Osterbur. He married Irene Aden on July 30, 1948. She preceded him in death on January 9, 2016.

 He is survived by his children; Rosalie (Barry) Fisher of St. Joseph, Randall (Sandy) Osterbur of Urbana. Grandchildren Pat Fisher, Kimberly (Mike deceased) Osterbur Walden, Ryan (Stacy) Fisher, Kelly (Eric) Osterbur Kuchefski, Erika (Mike) Fisher Busey, and Meghan Fisher. Great-grandchildren Gabriella, Ian, and Connor Fisher, Spencer and Samantha Walden, Emily, Jack, and Camden Fisher, Briggs and Reese Busey, Cavanaugh Fisher. One sister Emilie Steffey of Rantoul.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Leona Martin and Anetta Henry and brother John Osterbur.

 Ernest farmed his whole life including the land that had been in his family for over 100 years. He was an active member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau.

 He was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal and was active in many of its activities including singing in the choir for many years, teaching Sunday School, and acting as Sunday School superintendent.

 Ernest and his wife Irene were very interested in genealogy and spent time in their later years researching their family history. A highlight of their retirement years was taking two trips to Germany to meet distant relatives and visit the birthplaces of some ancestors. In 1995 they helped compile an exhibit on Champaign County settlers from Ostfriesland for the Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet. In his later years, Ernest became the source for family history for many in the Royal/Flatville area.

 Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal or donor's choice