Harley James Oster was born on May 14th, 1946 in Mobridge, SD to John and Irene (Pfeifle) Oster. Harley grew up in Java, SD until the family settled in Spearfish, SD. Harley graduated from Spearfish High School in 1964. He attended some college before enlisting in the US Air Force. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in July 1970.
Harley married Karen (Haeger) Oster on April 4, 1981. Harley and Karen had 2 children- Chrissy and DJ. The family lived in rural Rozet, WY for 9 years and then moved to Gillette, WY in 1991. Harley worked for the coal mines and retired in 2008. Harley and Karen made their first move to Florida upon his retirement. This was first of many moves for Harley and Karen until they finally settled in Sturgis, SD in 2021. Harley was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church when they finally set tled back in Sturgis.
Harley enjoyed among many things, family gatherings, watching his tv shows and sports, but most of all Harley is known for his love of fishing. He traveled to Canada, Australia, Florida for fishing as well as almost all the lakes in the Black Hills region and northeast Wyoming. Harley not only fished, but he told many fish “stories”- maybe one or two were true.
Harley passed away peacefully in his home on June 5th, 2024. Harley was preceded in death by his Dad and Mom.
Harley is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen and his children, Christina “Chrissy” (Chris) Fergen and David “DJ” (Brandi) Oster; seven grandchildren, Hailey, Brady, Alana, Isaac, Stevie, Charlotte, and Callie. He is also survived by his four siblings, Arlene (Roger) Kromarek, Sylvia (Ron) Hanson, Bruce (Cheryl) Oster, and Jerry (Laura) Oster and many nieces and nephews whom Harley loved.
Memorial services will be Thursday, June 13, 2024, 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Spearfish, SD. Inurnment, with military honors, will follow at 3:00 p.m., Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota.
