Byron “Bob” J. Oistad, age 82 of Buffalo, passed away April 24, 2019 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was born on March 12, 1937 in Karlstad, MN to Loyal and Berenice (Swanson) Oistad. Bob graduated from high school in Karlstad with the class of 1955, and continued his education at the prestigious United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated from the Academy in 1959.
Bob met his future wife Irene Fraser in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1958. The two corresponded before being united in marriage on May 3, 1962 at the San Diego Naval Air Station. Bob served as a U.S. Naval Aviator for 10 years including two cruises supporting Vietnam combat operations. He was extremely proud to serve his country for over 10 years. In 1969 he began flying for Northwest Airlines, retiring in 1995.
After retirement Bob was able to spend more time enjoying his favorite activities, golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and close friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Berenice; and three brothers, James, Dean, and Leon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Irene; children, Eric (Lori), Bruce (Dawn), Kristin, and Peter; grandchildren, Trevor, Olivia, Veronica, James “Jack”, Xavier, and Sophia; sister, LaVonne (Curt) Lundeen; and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held to honor Bob’s life on May 5th from 1 PM to 3 PM with a brief service at 2:30 PM, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN and in Karlstad, MN later this summer.
Interment will take place at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, USO or the donor’s choice of charity.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
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RIP Bob, you were certainly a Special man, a wonderful husband, father and friend. Your smile would light up a room for sure! Condolences to the family!
Buff, we know that you now are free of all the limitations that Parkinsons has laid upon you and for that we are thankful. You will be missed by many and very much so by us, old friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Irene and all the family. Joe and Carolyn
Condolences to Irene and the family. We share your sadness in his passing, and are thankful that Parkinson’s is over for him! Bobby was a beloved fellow Minnesotan, USNA Classmate and Friend. Love to you all! George and Sharon Gifford
From a fellow sailor and Viet Nam Vet, THANK YOU Bob for your service to our country! Thank you as well Irene for your support of Bob, especially when he was deployed! I salute you both!
Byron was my friend in high school. I got to play most all the sports with him. He was also a challenge to beat on test scores in our classes together. Being a catcher on the baseball team I got to help him use his great pitchers arm to help us win many a game in H. S. But as a person he was as great as anybody and I think he proved that over the years. I can thank Byron for many of habits I set as important for so many years of my life. Of course we had lots of pretty good athletes in our high school days. Thank you Bob for some great memories.
Dear Oistad Family:
I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a tremendous guy who had a positive influence on me as a young kid on his Babe Ruth baseball teams. It was people like Bob who made me want to be a coach and try to make a positive impact on kids.
Keep all of your treasured memories with him in your hearts as you grieve losing him.
Bob was how I knew him. He was my cousin. I was a little girl when Bob would visit us in California. I loved him and Irene.
Thank you for your service to our country. I am greatful for the memories I have. With love and sympathy Dawn