Joel’s life and legacy are based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 22: 37, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. “
Joel Osterman was a loving, caring man of integrity, character, and strength. He was devoted to his faith, his family, and the community. He gave of himself to help others achieve their goals in life. Joel never saw problems, he saw possibilities. He encouraged others, comforted them, and inspired them to be more than they thought they could be.
Joel was the co-founder of OstermanCron, a Blue Ash-based office furniture company. He was in the business for over 39 years. He was an inaugural member of the John Maxwell Founder’s Circle, an organization that empowers others in the community and business to be leaders. He was active in the community serving organizations, such as the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky, the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, and the West Chester/Liberty Township Chamber. He was an alumnus of the SEBC Leadership 21 program. Joel was an active participant in At Work On Purpose, a faith-based organization assisting Christians to find and fulfill God’s purposes for work. Other faith-based non-profit organizations in which he was involved included City Gospel Mission, which provides programs and shelter for homeless and displaced individuals and Healthy Beginnings, which provides prenatal care for underserved women. Joel was also an active member of his church serving as lay leader and on various committees and task forces. Joel was dearly loved and admired by family and friends. He passed away on February 18, 2016 at the age of 57 after a courageous 6 month battle fighting pancreatic cancer.