Jackie Luther Oestrick, 72, of Jarrell, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026.
Born on December 8, 1953, in Austin, Texas, Jackie was the son of Jack and Lela Oestrick. A fourth-generation Austinite, he grew up on his family’s land along Lake Austin, where he spent his childhood exploring the outdoors with his siblings and cousins. When he wasn’t roaming the property, he could often be found riding motorcycles across the state or sleeping on Texas beaches. Jackie especially loved surfing the Texas coast, and nothing excited him more than heading to the beach ahead of a hurricane to catch the biggest waves. He played baseball during his school years and graduated from high school early.
Not long after, Jackie began building the life and family he cherished most. While visiting cousins in Michigan, he met the love of his life, Donna. After marrying in Michigan on September 9, 1974, Jackie brought his wife and the daughters he lovingly welcomed as his own back home to Texas to begin their life together. Soon after, their family grew to include two sons and their youngest daughter.
Jackie spent much of his career working alongside his father, uncles, brother, and cousins in masonry and construction. He later worked for Eanes ISD as both a bus driver and mechanic and also spent time on an assembly line at Spartan Motors in Michigan. He finished his working years serving as a Correctional Officer in Burnet County.
Over the years, Jackie built several homes and eventually settled in Jarrell, Texas, where he enjoyed being close to grandchildren and family.
Jackie loved fishing, swimming, surfing, riding motorcycles, and spending time outdoors. More than anything, he loved his family. He found great joy in watching his grandchildren grow, spending time with loved ones, and sharing life with his faithful dog by his side.
A unique blend of cowboy, gypsy spirit, and devoted family man, Jackie was admired by many for his compassion and generosity. He was always willing to help someone in need, often opening his home to friends going through difficult times or simply needing a place to stay. He believed deeply in treating others with kindness, fairness, and understanding.
Jackie believed in Jesus Christ and was baptized at a young age, carrying his faith with him throughout his life.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Donna Oestrick; daughters Heather Zaremba and spouse Mark, Holly Lahr and spouse Brian, and Lindy Braun and spouse Allan; sons Shane Oestrick and spouse Tanya, and Theron Oestrick and spouse Chelsea; grandchildren Gavin Zaremba, Grant Zaremba, Gracen Briggs, Paige Campbell, Cassidy Candelaria, Alley Lahr, Lilith Leon, Isis Leon, Amber Oestrick, Alyssa Gordy, Jake Oestrick, Hayden Shirey, Hannah Hicks, Bennett Oestrick, Haddie Howell, and Lauren Oestrick; as well as eight great-grandchildren, four nephews, and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lela Oestrick; his parents-in-law, Don and Florence Davids; his brother, David Oestrick; and his sisters-in-law, Florence Davids and Charlene Shaver.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026, at Richland Hall, located at 18312 Cameron Road in Manor, Texas. Visitation and refreshments will begin at 1:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., scripture and memories of Jackie will be shared, followed by an open time for family and friends to share their own stories and reflections. The celebration will continue until approximately 4:30 p.m.
Jackie’s life was rooted in hard work, family, faith, and compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and unforgettable memories that will continue through all who knew and loved him.
John 11:25–26
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”