Clyde Oster
July 16, 2026
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
Clyde Oster, 73, loving husband and father, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s on July 16, 2026.
Clyde grew up working hard on his family’s farm in North Dakota before relocating with them to Wichita, KS. His strong work ethic served him well throughout his 30-year career as a punch press operator at Case Manufacturing. Not one to remain idle, Clyde re-entered the workforce, spending three years at Younger & Sons before another 10 years at Spirit & ISI. Most notably, Clyde will be remembered for his connection to thousands of children in the greater Wichita area and beyond, where he brought joy to many through his long-standing role as Santa Claus.
Services:
- Rosary: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- Funeral Mass: 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026
- Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Wichita, KS
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Barbara Oster; his brothers, Chuck and Curtis Oster; and his niece, Jennifer Hinkel.
He is survived by his wife, Deanne Oster; his sons, Bryan (Clair) Oster, Scott (Patricia) Oster, Kane (Annie) Oster, and Lance Oster; his eleven grandchildren, Zachary, Alexis, Angelica, Santana, Andre, Aaliyah, Creedon, Alexander, Griffin, Aeliana, and Jameson; his two great-grandchildren, Xavier and Santana; and his sisters, Cheryl (Lonny) Linn, Carol (Mark) Timmermeyer, Charleen (Ron) Becker, and Coleen (Dave) Thomas, along with many nieces and nephews.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with:
- Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Kansas: 535 West Douglas, Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67213
- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church: 681 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
Services
Rosary: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 7:00 pm
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4404
Funeral Mass: Thursday, July 23, 2026 1:00 pm
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4404
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Clyde Oster 's name.
Alzheimer's Association, Central & Western Kansas Chapter
535 W. Douglas Avenue, Suite 150
Wichita,
KS
67213
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 North Socora
Wichita,
KS
67212
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Deanne,Lance,and Kane, our hearts are broken over this news. Clyde was terrific and we enjoyed many dinners together. The best Santa Clause ever!! We will miss his smile and friendship. And of course those Cinnamon Rolls!!! You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God has a great soldier in Clyde and he is no longer suffering, just know this.
Love You All !!!
Clyde was a delightful person to be in the company of. His conversations and quick wit were always welcome, we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him,as well as you, enjoying a cheeseburger at Timbuktu!
I am thankful we had the opportunity to share his time! And now he is in peace 🙏💖
Deanne and family,
So very sorry to hear of Clyde’s passing. Sincere condolences to his sons and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will surely miss Clyde in our gatherings and celebrations. Our favorite Santa Claus and most photogenic! He had so many talents from baking delicious caramel rolls and cookies and volunteering with fish dinners at Lent and sharing his tomatoes and peppers from the garden. Deanne, he loved you with all the love he had to give.
My sympathies to the Oster family. My dad, Dennis Brand, worked with and was a friend of Clyde’s for many years at Case Manufacturing. Clyde was a well known name in our family, hearing many stories of guys at the plant and occasionally meeting him at employee events. May his soul rest in peace.