Alvin M. Oest

Alvin Meril Oest, 89, of Pontiac, Illinois, formerly of Havana, passed away at 11:35 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Carle BroMenn Hospital in Normal. He was born on October 19, 1934, in Bath, Illinois to John and Anabelle (Koehne) Oest. He married Shirley J. Session on May 4, 1956, in Easton and she preceded him in death on January 6, 2020.

Alvin is survived by his son, Craig (Karen) Oest of Fairbury, Illinois; grandchildren, Emma Oest of Chicago and Tonya (Eric) Jones of Heyworth; great-grandchildren, Payton, Reese, and Taylor Hill; brother, Don Oest of Havana; sister-in-law, Bessie Oest of Lewistown; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Greg Oest; brothers, John, Vernon, and Kenny Oest; and infant sister, Emma Lorena Oest.
Alvin was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana. After his service in the U.S. Army, he then returned to Mason County where he raised his family and farmed for 40 years. During this time, he was a member of the Mason County Farm Bureau. While Alvin had many hobbies, he particularly enjoyed duck hunting at Quiver Creek with his friends and family. He was an avid sports fan, mainly watching baseball and basketball. He supported the Saint Louis Cardinals and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. However, what Alvin loved most was getting to spend time with his friends and family.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana. Graveside services will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana, with Rev. Ian Heinze officiating. Military detail will be provided by VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138.
Memorial donations may be made in Alvin’s name to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago or SELCAS Ambulance Service at 310 W Locust Street, Fairbury, Illinois 61739. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.