Berenice M. Hamm Oest, 86, of Astoria died at 8:32 a.m. June 11, 2008, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. Berenice M. Hamm Oest, 86, of Astoria died at 8:32 a.m. June 11, 2008, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.
She was born Feb. 8, 1922, in Hecla, S.D., a daughter of Karl and Helmi Saari Wainio. She first married Dale Hamm. Later, she married Vernon W. F. Oest on April 18, 1976. He preceded her in death.
She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Aune Carter and Fannie Hieta.
Surviving are two sons, Ronald (and Rosemary) Hamm and Donald (and Pamela) Hamm, both of Peoria; two daughters, Carolyn Sue (and Gary) Tarvin of Astoria and Marilyn A. Ford of Canton; one sister, Doreen (and Ray) Mathis of Arkansas; one brother, Edwin Wainio of Peoria; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She served as an election judge for many years in Kerton Township. She last worked at Lakewood Supper Club near Bath, and prior to that she worked at The Town House and Taylor House restaurants in Havana and Wee Ma Tuk near Cuba.
Services were held Saturday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana with Pastor Martin Liebmann officiating. Burial was in Sheldons Grove Cemetery. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.hurleyfh.com.