James Martin "Marty" Oestreicher

James Martin “Marty” Oestreicher, age 61, of Princeton, Kansas, passed away, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at his home. “King” of Irish Goodbyes, to those closest to Marty knows it comes as no surprise he left the party early- especially on St. Patty’s Day. Marty was born Friday, March 11, 1960 at Olathe, Kansas, the son of James “Jim” Oestreicher Jr., and Barbara J. (Robertson) Oestreicher-Richards. He was a lifelong resident of the Richmond/Garnett area moving to rural Princeton in 2020. Marty often shared stories growing up in Richmond where he, his brother and his buddies would cruise Richmond’s Main Street, set hay bales on fire, and even threw a “50 kegger” party! Marty graduated from Central Heights High School with the class of 1978. He was super-fast! He lettered in track, basketball, and football. To the very end, he would challenge anyone to a foot race. He was united in marriage to Mary (Scheuermann) Snyder April 9, 1983, they later divorced as friends. In 1986, Marty became a father to Audrey and 2 ½ years later he had a son, Aaron. His children were his pride and joy. If you ever wanted to find Marty, you needed to only look in two places: the garden or wherever his children were. Marty was present at every sports game; helped coach his son’s baseball team(s); and was Audrey’s lucky block holder in track. He loved his children with his whole heart. Marty began his trade as an automotive painter with Guidon-Rigidform in the 80’s and eventually moved to production manager with Astro in the early 90’s to 2000’s. He currently worked in production at Kalmar. He affectionately dubbed his co-workers and friends that he cared about with loveable nicknames. A few favorites include: Meatloaf; Cheese-Puff; Pooper; The Meathead; Slick 50; Baby Birds; and so many more. Marty had a vocabulary all his own. He is a member of St. Therese Catholic Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Boniface. Marty was an active member with the Richmond Fair, formerly serving on the Richmond Fair Board. He took pride in lining up the parade during the fair. He often described it as “reigning in feral cats!” He enjoyed his hunting trips to South Dakota, growing blue ribbon veggies, 100 lb. pumpkins, and fishing trips with family. Marty enjoyed the simple things and was salt of the earth. Children around the area knew Marty could/would never say no to any type of fundraising. He bought all the trash bags, cookies, and fruit baskets one person could handle. If you were part of the 414 N. Spruce St. Gang- you also knew he kept a house full of groceries and ice cream on hand at all times. Marty was selfless and would do anything for anyone. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Oestreicher Jr. and beloved grandparents, the Robertson’s and the Oestreicher’s. He leaves behind his children, Audrey Faye LeVota (Phil) and Aaron James Oestreicher (Kaleigh), both of Garnett; his mother, Barbara J. Richards of Ottawa; his brother, Steve Oestreicher (Suzan Ball) of Richmond, sister, Connie Guilfoyle (Curt) of Richmond; sister, Katie Riemer (Tom) of Ottawa; girlfriend, Joy Mildfelt of Richmond, and several beloved nieces and nephews. Marty was also looking forward to being a first-time grandpa to Aaron and Kaleigh. Vigil for the Deceased with rosary will be held at 6:30 P.M., Thursday, March 25, 2021 at St. Boniface Church in Scipio. Mass of Christian Burial will be held, 10:30 A.M., Friday, March 26, 2021 at the church. Interment St. Boniface Cemetery, Scipio. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Mya Oestreicher Memorial c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.