Wesley Osenga

Wesley Osenga’s friends and family members knew that it was “his way or the highway” – but, they admitted, his way was usually the best way! Wesley’s certainty in life stemmed from a strong faith in the Lord, a faith that guided his life as surely as a rudder guides a boat. He cared about others deeply, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Wesley’s genuine concern for others, devotion to his beloved family, and commitment to living his faith will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who had the privilege of knowing him, both as a cherished memory and a source of inspiration in the years to come.

In the United States, the “Roaring Twenties” were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Wesley was born in the middle of this exciting decade, on September 29, 1925, and shared his birth year with the inauguration of Calvin Coolidge as president, the invention of scotch tape, and the publication of The Great Gatsby.

Wesley’s proud parents, Gerrit and Grace (Shaw) Osenga, brought the newest member of their family home to Bradley, Illinois. Gerrit earned a living as a welder and farmer, while Grace stayed at home to raise their eight children. Wesley was the fourth oldest, and grew up with siblings Vernon, Edward, Gerrit Jr., Clifford, Dolores, Joyce and Beverly.

As a boy, Wesley enjoyed playing ball with the neighborhood kids and swimming in Soldier Creek. During one memorable incident, Wesley was skinny-dipping in a ditch with his brothers Clifford and Gerrit Jr. Two girls spotted them, and asked if they could join. When the boys refused, the girls threatened to tell on them. They seemed to be at an impasse – until Wesley found a gunnysack to wear while he made a dash for the bushes where the boys had stashed their clothes! Wesley successfully retrieved the clothes, and the boys beat a hasty retreat.

During his senior year in high school, Wesley left school to join the U.S. Air Force. He enlisted on November 22, 1943, and was trained to be an aerial gunner, rising to the rank of CPL. Although Wesley’s squad was given orders to join the war, one of the group members became ill and as a result the whole squad was quarantined. Wesley was honorably discharged on April 3, 1946, after the Allied forces had achieved victory in World War II.

Wesley settled into civilian life back home in Bradley, Illinois. He started dating a young lady named Beverley Lancaster, whom he had met at a roller skating rink. Wesley and Beverley attended services at the same church, and Wesley often gave Beverley rides in his milk truck. Wesley and Beverley soon realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, and were married on February 12, 1948, in the Bradley United Brethren Church. The ceremony marked the beginning of a loving and committed relationship that would endure for more than 65 years.

As the years went by, Wesley and Beverley were blessed with two sons, whom they named Steven Wayne and Dennis James. Wesley supported his family by driving a milk truck for 18 years and also worked a second job at David Bradley for several years. Wesley enjoyed recounting the story of the day he was driving the truck along, minding his own business, when he saw a tire roll by him into the ditch. Wesley stopped to pick up the tire, only to realize that it had come off his own truck! Later, Wesley would go on to work in the maintenance department of Uniroyal Chemical for 25 years.

Wesley was a dedicated provider, and always supported his children in their endeavors. Not only did he care for his own kids, he also stepped up to be there for nieces and nephews when their parents (his brothers and sisters) passed away. He was a wonderful role model, and took his family to the Bradley Evangelical United Methodist Church every Sunday. Wesley was also active in the community, and volunteered his time teaching Sunday school, working with young people, serving as a church trustee, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He was a member of Prime Timers, and was always willing to lend a helping hand for church projects. Over the years, Wesley and his family made many happy memories on various family vacations.

After retiring from Uniroyal Chemical, Wesley and his wife Beverley did a lot of traveling. Closer to home, Wesley loved bowling, and bowled in senior leagues twice a week. Wesley also took a lot of pride in the maintenance of his home and garden, and enjoyed working on various “fix-it,” woodworking, and gardening projects.

Wesley was devoted to his family, and always looked forward to holidays and family gatherings. He was able to spend this past Father’s Day having dinner with his sons and their wives. Before eating, Wesley led his family in a prayer of thanks, a prayer that none of them will ever forget.

Hardworking, principled, and kind hearted, Wesley was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful Christian, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Mr. Wesley John Osenga entered his heavenly home on June 17, 2013, at the age of 87. Wesley’s family includes his wife of 65 years, Beverley Lancaster; his children, Steven Wayne (Donna) of Bradley and Dennis James (Patricia) of Lodi, CA; his grandchildren, Brad, Andy, Erik, and Hillary (Andrew) Stanek; his great-grandchildren, Linah and Sydney; his brother, Clifford (Betty Ann); his sister, Beverly Pelletier; brother-in-law, Donald Mau; his special niece and nephew, Patti (Osenga) Shidler (Bill); his “adopted” daughter, Martha (Bill) Hellman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vernon, Edward, and Gerrit Jr.; and his sisters, Dolores Mau and Joyce Cramer.

A gathering time for friends and family will be held on Thursday, June 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home's Bourbonnais Chapel. Another gathering time for friends and family will be held on Friday, June 21, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the Bradley Evangelical United Methodist Church in Bradley, IL. Burial will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kankakee. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Bradley Evangelical United Methodist Church or to Our Lady of Victory Nursing Home in Bourbonnais. Please visit Wesley’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.