We are fortunate here at St. Paul’s Home to have several Residents that are over the age of 100. This month we are spotlighting Resident Bill Osterman. Bill is looking forward to his birthday in September, when he will be 103! Bill tells us the story that his father was 100 when he moved here to St. Paul’s Home. Bill had a goal that he would be 100 when he came to live here, but, he was actually 101.
Bill was born and raised in Norwood, Oh. He attended St. Elizabeth’s and St. Matthew’s School in Norwood. When he was 16, he began working as a messenger at the National Bank of Norwood, where he was able to walk to work each day. He continued working there as a teller and bookkeeper. To better himself, he went to night school at the American Institute of Banking for 4 years.
In 1942, Bill was drafted and he feels fortunate to have been in the Air Force. When deployed, he left behind his wife, who was expecting their first child. Bill was able to attend Air Control School, graduated, and then taught one phase of the program. They sent him to California then to Utah. While there, he received word that his wife gave birth to “baby Bill”. Soon his wife and son joined him in Utah, and he was eventually discharged back in Dayton, OH. Bill has three sons now, and his son, Bill, is able to come see him every day!
When Bill’s wife passed away, he was able to stay in his home and care for himself for another 11 years! He cooked, did laundry, cleaned, and had Meals on Wheels once a week.
Bill is a huge Cincinnati Reds fan, never misses a game, and knows the players by name and their stats. When the Reds aren’t on top of their game, you can hear Bill yelling at the television.
As a Veteran, Bill also helped with the flag raising on Flay Day here at the home. We salute Bill!
Resident Bill Osterman