Barbara Alice (Riese) Oster

Barbara Alice (Riese) Oster, 73 of North Fond du Lac, died peacefully surrounded by family, on August 9, 2025. Barb was born April 28th, 1952 to Donald and Marian Riese in Fond du lac. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and was a 1970 graduate of LP Goodrich High School in Fond du lac where she participated in Student Government. She then attended UW Fond du lac, where she continued to be a leader in her class.

Barb was married to Dennis Oster on July 9, 1977 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. Years later, they were blessed with their “Perfect Daughter”, Sara. Barb had a deep faith in God and was a longstanding member of the Holy Family Church Community. Barb was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, aunt, and friend. One of her favorite pastimes was to find special presents for others because she loved to surprise them and brighten their lives. Everyone was drawn to her spirited and engaging personality.

She dedicated her life to working in the service industry. Most of her career was spent as a manager at Holiday Inn, Fond du Lac, where she received numerous awards for her outstanding work. She worked tirelessly to brighten the days of all of her guests, and could be found doing anything necessary and going above and beyond to make each guest feel special.

Barb was also Chairperson for the Relay for Life program to help support and raise funds for people with cancer and research, where she set a record for most donations ever received in one year. She also participated in the Red Hat Society designed to encourage members to embrace aging fun, friendship, and celebrating life. Some of Barb’s happy places were at a pool, lake, or campfire. She also loved to plan and enjoy the many family get-togethers.

Barb is survived by her husband Dennis, daughter Sara (Special friend Tim Wondra), and granddaughters Taylor (special friend Nathan) and Kendra. She is further survived by her siblings that she was always so generous to. David (Linda) Riese, Mary (Jack) Zanders , George Riese, Donna Clark, Ron (Chris) Riese, & Patty Riese (Don Prickette).

She will also be greatly missed by her 14 nieces and nephews that she always spoiled, along with 14 grandnieces and grandnephews. Also lifelong friends Judy Rucks and Marcia (Brian) Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Julie Riese, mother and father-in-law, James and Anne Jean Oster, and sister-in-law Donna Oster.

A visitation is scheduled at Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond du Lac on Saturday, August 30th from 10:00 until 10:45 followed by a Mass of

Christian Burial at 11:00. A celebration of Barb’s life gathering will follow after mass with details TBD. Cremation has taken place.