Bryan James Oberstar

TRAUNIK, MI – The note was brief and to the point, his obituary was to read “no visitation, Bryan Oberstar died”. True, but to those who loved and will miss Bryan, that is not enough! The following is a very brief synopsis of the life of Bryan, who impacted many with his big smile and welcoming personality. He deserves much more, but in keeping with his requests, here we go!

Bryan James Oberstar, age 66, of Traunik, passed away Monday, August 8th, 2022.

Born September 7th, 1955, in Escanaba, a son of James William and Barbara Janet (Knaus) Oberstar, Bryan was raised in the wide open fields and forests of Traunik. His days were spent with adventures at home, uncle Bill’s farm, and at grandma Oberstar’s farm all culminating in a love of driving tractors, working in the soil, working in the hay fields, fishing in the creek, and developing a respect and care for a variety of animals. Bryan attended and graduated from the Eben High School, president of the Class of 1973. Following graduation, Bryan moved to Chicago, living with his aunt and uncle, working for a time as a teller in a local bank. Always up for another adventure, he later joined his sister, Lori, in Alaska, where he worked construction and on a commercial fishing boat. After a couple of years, Bryan returned to Traunik on July 4th, 1980, just in time for one of his favorite holidays, complete with the Trenary parade. On February 10th, 1984, Bryan was united in marriage to Rebecca Olsen of Marquette, and together the couple made their home outside Traunik, where they built a home in 1993. The home eventually evolved into a hobby farm complete with a variety of animals and a fish pond. Throughout the years, Bryan and Becky’s place became a haven for their nieces and nephews from both sides of the family, as they gathered to spend summers and weekends in the countryside. Bryan served as their mentor, teaching them many life lessons and skills in the areas of farming, driving vehicles, fishing, hunting, and caring for animals. Bryan, himself, enjoyed 4 wheeling, hunting, spending time at his camp in the woods, loved gardening, and riding with his dogs in his side-by-side, and shared his interests and values with the kids.

For over 25 years, Bryan was employed with A. Lindberg and Sons, retiring in 2005. Following retirement, he kept busy helping out at Rob Young’s farm and John Iho’s farm. As the years went by, Bryan and Becky enjoyed traveling many times to Mexico, where he loved snorkeling, and to Alaska and Maine where he enjoyed seafood. However, home was where the heart is and Bryan always loved to come home and relax, work in his garden, and care for the animals, especially the pigs and chickens.

Bryan enjoyed giving of his time and regularly volunteered during the Fall Festival at St. Rita Church in Trenary and with the church’s distribution of gifts during the Christmas Season. He loved the 4th of July and volunteered at the cotton candy concession. Proud of his Slovenian heritage, he volunteered with the Traunik Slovenian Club, helping to maintain the hall, working in the kitchen during events, and loved a good polka. Bryan was also a good visitor to the older residents in the Traunik area, often visiting them, sharing vegetables from his garden, and spending time wherever he met them to just take a few moments to talk.

Bryan is survived by his wife, Becky, of Traunik; his sisters, Lori Oberstar, Lynn Aho, Lisa (Pete) Closner, and Lucinda (Ken) Ebbers; nieces and nephews, Briana and Hannah Aho, Peter John “Scoob” Closner, Tyler, Jaymee, Spencer, and Jared Ebbers; great-nieces, Cora and Greta Louis; great-nephew, Everett Slapky; an aunt, Alice Grant; and many cousins; his in-laws, David (Lorraine) Olsen, Lisa (Herman) Eleby, Lois Ross, Michael Olsen, and Patty (Mike Pryor) Nofal; many nieces and nephews; his special friend, Rob Young and his canine companions, Munchie and Stinky and cats, Ninja, George, and Scarlet.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles; and his mother-in-law, Betty Olsen.

Honoring Bryan’s request, a family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Traunik Slovenian Club, N2316 ET Road, Trenary, MI 49891 or the Alger County Animal Shelter, 510 E. Munising Avenue, Munising, MI 49862.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.