Maria Oberstar

Maria Oberstar, 89, of Gilbert died Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, August 19, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert Fr. Charles Flynn as celebrant. Visitation will be 5-7 pm TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2011 with a Rosary Service at 6:30 pm at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert and continue one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Maria Oberstar was born on September 8, 1921 to John and Katherine (Andres) Turkovich in Ruma, Yugoslavia. She grew up and attended school in Yugoslavia. Following school, Maria worked in a knife and shirt factories in Yugoslavia. In 1947 Maria met Karl Oberstar in Austria. The couple was united in marriage on June 10, 1950 in Sharding, Austria. They immigrated to the United States in 1952 and made their home in Gilbert, Minnesota. She had the opportunity to travel back to her homeland twice. Maria was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the KSKJ. Maria is remembered as a wonderful cook & baker, especially making wonderful strudels, watching wrestling on television & her visits to the casino. She had a great sense of humor. Most of all, Maria loved her family and would do anything for them. Her heart was open to everyone. Survivors include: Loving husband of 61 years: Karl Oberstar, Sr. of Gilbert Children:Karl (Freida Ahrens)Oberstar, Jr. of Gilbert, Lilly (Duane) Salo of Eveleth, Rose Marie (Steven) Samarzja of Hibbing, Jim Oberstar of Gilbert Grandchildren: Nicole (Anthony) Nemanick of Gilbert, Scott (Jenny) Samarzja of Fargo, ND, Ryan (Christy) Salo of Gilbert, Justin (Heidi Middendorf) Salo of Shakopee, MN, Amanda Samarzja of Circle Pines, MN, Stacy (Benjamin) Lautigar of Gilbert, Nathan (Blair Hodge) Samarzja of Fargo, ND, Great-Grandchildren: Ashley Theien & Makayla Nemanick of Gilbert, Joshua Creer-Oberstar & Aili Lautigar of Gilbert, Cassandra Roswold & Aiden Salo of Gilbert, Riley, Wyatt, Avery Samarzja of Fargo, ND Numerous nieces and nephews Maria was preceded in death by an infant son; two sisters: Paula & Lizzie; one brother, Tony; a nephew Frederic; and her parents.