Lora Jean Oslage

Lora Jean Oslage, 83, Weston, met her Savior and entered eternal pain-free peace on January 2, 2025, at home with family by her side, following a battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

She was born in Antigo on January 29, 1941, daughter of late George and Marie (Broeske) Wood. Her family later moved to the Wausau area. Lora Jean took a position at Marathon Cheese Corp after graduating from D.C. Everest High School. She quickly moved up as private secretary to the company president. Although her secret that she despised cheese remained undiscovered while employed there, anyone who knew her heard the story at least once. 

In 1962, she married the love of her life, Glenn Oslage. They were married 44 years at the time of his death. Lora Jean and Glenn raised two children, Glenda and Chad, in a home bursting with love. Lora Jean was not only a devoted wife, but also a committed stay-at-home mom. She worked as office manager at Tomcek Chiropractic after both kids were out of elementary school. She enjoyed the patients, and they were guaranteed a compassionate welcome when entering the office. Lora Jean gained another ‘daughter’ when Chad married Lynn, and they made her a Gramma with sons, Dustin and Nick. She retired and moved from Rothschild to Merrill to be closer to the grandsons and for babysitting privileges. Both Glenn and Lora Jean were thrilled that they held daycare honors. Years later, Dustin’s daughter, Emma, made Lora Jean a Great-Grandma, ‘Nana’. Emma and Nana had a special bond making precious memories of sleepovers, road trips, crafts, games and ice cream that Emma can carry in her heart forever. Dustin and wife, Brianna, made Lora Jean a Nana once again with Oliver who she referred to as ‘that cute but busy little guy.’ She moved to Weston with her daughter, Glenda, in fall of 2018. Numerous doctor’s appointments and Glenda’s job required daily trips from Merrill, and it made sense to move closer. Glenda continued the role of caregiver for her mom, and they shared a relationship filled with wonderful times despite the medical challenges that Lora Jean endured. The loved ones that Lora Jean leaves behind will remember her forever. She taught them how to love by loving them to the fullest. 

Other survivors include brother, Richard (Georgia) Wood; sister, Mary Berndt; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Wood; sister-in-law, Grace Wood; brother-in-law, Robert Lang; brother-in-law, Dennis Berndt; as well as several friends. She found comfort in knowing that all of them would be waiting to see her once again. 

Lora Jean was always concerned about others and never failed to put their needs before her own. No matter what was going on in her own world, she was always offering a helping hand with a smile on her face. She lived by the words, “there is always someone worse off than me, so I need to appreciate what I have and make the best of it.” In addition to being a Girl Scout leader who touched lives of many girls, Lora Jean often hosted life lesson talks around the kitchen table for her kids’ friends needing advice or just her listening ears. Her artistic talent was shared anywhere it was needed – whether she was painting, drawing, doing some sort of craft or simply appreciating God’s own work of art in nature. She often commented on the color of the sky… “nobody could ever paint that blue no matter how hard they tried.” She enjoyed finding shapes hidden in puffy clouds while reflecting on what heaven might look like and never failed to point out the beauty of a sunset. 

In the last nine years, Lora Jean had countless health problems but anyone who knew her was inspired by a brave example of faith and determination. No matter what she was dealing with, she continued to care for others first and worried as to how her illnesses were affecting those she loved. Her friendly smile, positive outlook and encouraging words will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Two words describe her perfectly… She Loved. 

Services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service at the church. A meal will follow the service at the church. Private Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Lynda Randle Ministries.

Lora Jean’s family would like to express appreciation for the care provided by her doctors throughout the years (especially Andrea Heller) as well as to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. They also want to extend heartfelt thanks to family and friends that did not step back at the daunting dementia diagnosis but rather stepped forward to offer support that will never be forgotten.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Weston is assisting Lora Jean’s family. Online condolences may be given at www.ascendweston.org.