Lori Osterhaus Obituary

Lori S. Osterhaus, age 64, of Beattie, KS, passed away on January 29, 2026, at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville, KS.

A private service and burial will take place in Rose Hill Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Axtell American Legion Post #214 in Axtell, KS, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Lori was born on November 11, 1961, in Lincoln, NE, to Clayton and Nina (White) Leonard. She graduated from Axtell High School in 1979. On June 7, she was united in marriage to Michael Osterhaus. To this union, two sons were born, Brad and Kevin.

Lori devoted much of her working life to the food service industry. She was employed by Pizza Hut, Mary Marshall Manor, Cambridge Place, and the Summerfield school.

Lori loved cheering on Nebraska football, a beloved tradition filled with excitement, spirited debate, and countless game-day memories. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her grandchildren, cheering them on, laughing together, and making memories. She was famous for making the best no-bake cookies, treats that showed her love better than words ever could. She also cherished attending concerts with family and had a special love for Christmas, finding joy in buying gifts and making the holiday magical for those she loved. Lori will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clayton Leonard; her father-in-law, Robert Osterhaus; and her nephew, Jeremy Bernasek.

Survivors include her husband, Mike Osterhaus; her mother, Nina Leonard of Axtell; her son, Brad (Mindy) Osterhaus, and their children, Brecken and Braylon Osterhaus, of Wamego, KS; her son, Kevin (Katlyn) Osterhaus, and their children, Isla and Sylvie Osterhaus, of Summerfield; brothers, Mick (Brenda) Leonard of Trenton, Illinois, Chuck Leonard of Frankfort, and Bob (Jennifer) Leonard of Wamego; sister, LeAnn (Doug) Smith of Junction City, KS; mother-in-law, Zita Osterhaus of Summerfield; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Rose (Marvin) Bernasek of Summerfield, Jim Osterhaus of Barneston, Linda (Doug) Heinen of Axtell, Carol (Kent) Kuckelman of Axtell, and Kathy (Jeff) Haller of Wamego; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Stormy.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, Kansas 66508.