Carol Jean Oostenbrug

Carol Jean DySard was born on August 10, 1934, in Ellendale, North Dakota. Her parents were Leliah Collett DySard and Clyde DySard. Carol passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 22, 2026.

Carol grew up in Hartley, Iowa, and graduated from Hartley High School in 1952. She then worked as a clerk at the O’Brien County Courthouse.

She married Keith Oostenbrug in 1956. They celebrated their 65th anniversary prior to Keith’s passing.

Carol and Keith began their married life in Storm Lake, Iowa, then moved to Sioux City, Iowa, in 1960. Their family grew quickly. Carol was the heart of the home, raising their five children. She was known as a talented homemaker who could paint and wallpaper anything (including a ceiling), sew dresses for her girls, refinish furniture, cook wonderful meals and bake great treats that never lasted long.

She was a Room Mother at Bryant Elementary School and a secretary for her PEO group. She and her neighbor Phyllis Holzrichter became lifelong friends and enjoyed bicycle adventures around the town while their kids were in school.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and participated as a preschool Sunday School teacher, a Circle member, a Bell Choir member, and always encouraged her family to participate fully in church life.

Once her kids had grown, she returned to school at Western Iowa Technical College and became a Medical Transcriptionist. She worked for many years at Morningside Family Practice and thoroughly enjoyed her job and her co-workers.

Upon retirement, she and Keith moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa, to a beautiful home overlooking Center Lake. They became active members of the Spirit Lake Methodist Church and enjoyed close relationships with very special neighbors.

When Keith passed in 2021, Carol moved back to Sioux City to Sunrise Retirement Community. She was warmly welcomed, quickly made many dear friends and genuinely enjoyed participating in the many activities they offered. She absolutely loved living at Sunrise. Her family is so very thankful for the dedicated staff and loving neighbors she found there.

She golfed until she was 80, enjoyed daily walks and was a lifelong bridge player. An avid reader, the incredible library at Sunrise was an absolute favorite.

Carol is survived by her five children and their families: Susan and Dr. Michael Ferris, Jeffrey Oostenbrug, Joel and Teresa Oostenbrug, Laura Musselman, and Thomas and Pamela Oostenbrug. She is survived by grandchildren: Thomas and Erin Ferris, Adam Ferris and Chandi Nicholson, Jenna Ferris, Grant Ferris and Kayla Anderson, Becky and Grant Glover, Katy and Nathan Willingham, David Oostenbrug, Kelly Sachau, Sara and DJ Anderson, Natalie and Adam Gazerowitz, and Raechel and Miles Morrissey. She is survived by fifteen great grandchildren, brother Harrison and Tracie DySard, sister Ruth DySard, sister-in-law Edie Kammerer, and many, many beloved friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Keith Oostenbrug, her parents, Clyde and Leliah DySard, her brother Leland DySard, and her

grandson Patrick Sachau.

Thank you to Pastor Roger Madden and Neil Peck from First Methodist Church for their ministry to our mom and our family. The family would also like to thank the staff at Unity Point Hospital who were so kind and compassionate during Carol’s final week.

Memorial gifts will be donated to First United Methodist Church for the Music Academy at First.

Services Friday morning, May 29 at First United Methodist Church, Sioux City.

Visitation with the Family at 10:00, Funeral Service at 11:00. Luncheon to follow.