A Tribute to JoAnn Ostransky
JoAnn Krulis Ostransky was a life-long Springfield area resident. She grew up serving others with her parents as caretakers of the Sarpy County Poor Farm. JoAnn attended school in Springfield, graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1950. After high school she went to the College of St. Mary in Omaha, where she earned her teaching degree. JoAnn was a dedicated teacher. She taught at Snider School, LaPlatte, and as a substitute teacher at Platteview. She especially loved telling stories of her days teaching at Snider School, a one room school.
JoAnn married Fred Ostransky on June 13, 1959. They lived on the Sarpy County Poor Farm where they cared for the residents and Fred farmed. The county sold the Poor Farm in 1967 but Fred and JoAnn continued to live there while raising their three children, Mary Kay, Mike, and Marvin.
JoAnn was very committed to giving back to her community. She organized the Sarpy Sifters extension club and a 4H club at Snider School. She and her family were always dedicated to 4H and to the Sarpy County Fair. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, assisting with teaching children CCD classes, fundraising, and organizing the church scrapbooks. JoAnn served on the Springfield Memorial Library Board of Trustees for 21 years and was the Board president for 8 years. The library was a source of pride for JoAnn, as she was involved in the 2001 construction of the new library and the addition built in 2011-2012.
JoAnn and Fred were recognized for their dedication to the Springfield and Sarpy County community. In 1972 they were WOWT Farm Family of the Week. They received the 1991 Great Nebraska Family award. JoAnn was named an Omaha World-Herald Woman of Distinction in 2019.
JoAnn kept busy in her final years even after she confined to a wheelchair. She lived independently and enjoyed life to the fullest. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of great pride. They visited often. She loved giving history talks and updating the church and library scrapbooks. JoAnn enjoyed chatting on the phone with friends. You could always count on JoAnn to know the “lastest local” news.
We will miss you, JoAnn Krulis Ostransky. You will live on in our hearts.
“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unheard, but always near, still missed, still loved, and very dear.”
Springfield Creek Basin Sewer Project
The Southern Sarpy County Regional Wastewater System - Phase 1A: Springfield Creek Interceptor Sewer Project is happening in the Springfield area. Portions of the Mo-Pac trail are affected by the project. Please use caution during the construction phase. For more information on the project:
Sarpy County Waste Water Agency
IT HAPPENED IN SPRINGFIELD HISTORY
Pictured: Front row (left to right): Jacque Palczynski as Betsy Ross, Jamie Williams as Martha Washington, Jackie Isaacson as Benjamin Franklin.
Second row (left to right): Taryl Kentsmith as Louis Braille, Teresa Mueller as Maria Tallchief, Amy Osborn as Carol Burnette, Paula Erhart as Barbara Streisand.
Third row (left to right): Dooley Jolly as John Brown, Brian Ellis as Captain Hook, Karen Ehlers as Virginia Dare, Teresa Weise as Jacqueline Kennedy, Sue Kiser as Willa Cather.
Book reports were the highlight of the week for Mrs. Koehlmoos’ sixth grade reading class at Springfield Elementary in March 1980. Students were given the assignment to read the biography of a famous person and then, write a book report. For this special project, students dressed in character as they gave an oral report on the life of their chosen individual.
SPRINGFIELD AREA MASTER GARDENERS
It's warm! It's snowing! It's warm! It's snowing! It's Nebraska!
It's typical weather for our great state. But for gardeners it is question time.
https://www.facebook.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofspringfield
HAPPENING NEARBY
Cornhusker Country Music Theater
Come on over and take a spin on our dance floor or just sit back and enjoy the music!
211 Main Street
Louisville, NE
1-800-480-8797, ext 211
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– Mark Twain
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Connie Manzer
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