Biography

06/02/1927 - 01/20/2013

Donald Oswald Oesterling (D21) Butler and Lawrence Counties 1965-1972

Early Life:

Donald Oswald Oesterling, born June 2, 1927, Butler County, Pennsylvania; son of Victor Kenneth and Marjorie Gertrude Oswald Oesterling; public school education; United States Navy Reserve, Atlantic Theater, World War II; undergraduate degree, Capitol University; radio commentator; married, Ann McDowell Oesterling of Bedford, Virginia, 1947, children, Dawn Prebula, Michael J. Oesterling, Peter J. Oesterling; elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1965-1972,elected, Majority Caucus Chairman, 1971-1972; died, January 20, 2013, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) National Home, Bedford, Bedford County, Virginia. Cremated, Ashes given to family or friend.

Professional titles; business ownership; board memberships; local government; club memberships:

Lutheran. State President, Pennsylvania Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), Exalter Ruler of Butler, Pennsylvania Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) 170, member, American Legion #0852, Veterans of Foreign Wars #249, Grange, Moose, Eagles, Fraternal Order of Police.

Pennsylvania Politics:

Elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 21st district, Butler and Lawrence Counties, 1965-1972; elected, Majority Caucus Chairman, 1971-1972; committee assignments, Elections and Reapportionment Committee (Chairman), Forests and Waters (Vice Chairman), Game and Fish (Vice Chairman); known for Oesterling amendment, legalizing abortions in cases of rape and incest, 1971.

Cited:

Cox, Harold. "Senate Members O". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

The General Assembly of Pennsylvania Senate Resolution Number 20". www.trackbill.com.

Donald Oswald Oesterling (1927-2013) - Find a Grave Memorial