Joan M. Ostergren

Joan Marie Behrens-Ostergren, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the age of 94. Born March 15, 1930, she was the eldest of eight children. Joan was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, graduating from South Side High School. Following graduation, she received training as a medical technologist in Chicago. It was there she met her husband, Lennart J. Ostergren. Together, they moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where they were wed on March 12, 1950. They were the second couple to be married in the Kansas State University Chapel. Later, they returned to Fort Wayne and worked as medical technologists at Parkview Memorial Hospital. They raised their family in Fort Wayne, having three daughters, Lynne, Susan, and Laura.

Her love of nature, reading, and music instilled many values in her family which have carried them through difficult times. Lynne remembers waking up to a copy of “Black Beauty” under her pillow, which started her love for reading. Joan was an avid reader, reading across many disciplines, and modeled a love of learning her entire life. She valued beautiful words and encouraged her children and grandchildren to find the same joy in reading that she always experienced. A skilled knitter, she made many fine sweaters and afghans for herself and her family.

All three of her children were given the opportunity to learn music. Lynne and Laura became accomplished pianists, but Susan remembers the torture of sitting still at the piano. Still, a deep appreciation for all kinds of music exists with all three. Joan connected deeply with nature, and passed that love, respect, and joy to her children who also love and respect the natural world. Her guidance and encouragement led Laura to become a biologist.

Joan is survived by her children, Lynne Ostergren and Laura (Jim) Steele of Fort Wayne, Susan (Brenda Sullivan) Ostergren of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Anna (Adam) Lehman, Emma Steele, and Sophie Steele; great-grandchildren, Aria Lehman, Meara Lehman, Ezra Lehman; and a soon-to-be born great-grandson. She is also survived by six of her siblings, Sandra (Robert) Platt of Berlin, Germany, Diane (Henry) Norden of Tallahassee, FL, David (Rosie Bell) Behrens of London, England, Alan Behrens of Hudson, IN, John Behrens of Deer Park, WA, and Steven Behrens of Delores, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lennart; parents, Paul A. and Ann I. (Nicks) Behrens; and sister, Coral Berghorn. There will be no services at this time.