Herbert Osenga

Herbert Osenga, 96, of Shoshone, Idaho, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Jan. 3, 2024, at the Lincoln County Care Center. 

Herb was born on Feb. 13, 1928, to second generation immigrants from the Netherlands, Harry and Flora Osenga of Chicago, Illinois. 

He lived 75 years married to the love of his life, Esther Osenga. Herb & Esther grew up in Chicago, met as teenagers, and were married on April 13, 1946. They lived in Chicago until moving to Atascadero, CA, in 1960. In 1968 they moved back to Chicago. In 1969 Herb received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was born again. He faithfully followed Christ as his Lord throughout his life. Later Herb & Esther moved to Pennsylvania where they lived for several years retiring in Arizona where they lived for 22 years. In 2012 they moved from AZ to Hailey, Idaho to be near their sons, John and Rick. For a short time, they also lived in PA so they could be near their son, Steve. 

Together they had three sons, John Herbert Osenga of Ketchum, ID, Steven Osenga (Shirley) of McAlisterville, PA, and Richard Alan Osenga (Tricia) of Fairfield, ID. Herb leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 13 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther, in December of 2021. 

Herb loved his family. As a young man he drove truck for his father’s trucking company in Chicago and later was a crane operator at Acme Steel in Chicago/Riverdale. When the family moved to CA Herb began learning to build houses which resulted in him being a carpenter/builder for the remainder of his career. While building was his livelihood, he enjoyed being involved in church work from helping with church building projects to being a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He loved giving Biblical devotions and Sunday School opening challenges. His Bible is worn out which exemplifies the love he had for Jesus Christ and the Word of God. 

A memorial service is planned for a later date to be held in Arizona.