Marie Ostertag died peacefully with family surrounding her with love on April 21, 2023, at the age of 92.

Marie was born Feb. 26, 1931, in East Poland to Gustav and Elisabeth Steinebel.  She was one of seven children.

As a refugee survivor of World War II, Marie immigrated to America from Germany in 1955.  Her older sister sponsored her to come to San Francisco, where she quickly found work at the Levi Strauss Factory.

Shortly after arriving, Marie went out on a date to the William Tell Club, where she met a charming, handsome blue-eyed Swiss, Erwin Ostertag (known to many as Chef Erwin).  They quickly fell in love and were married three months later.

In 1963 they moved to the Santa Ynez Valley with their two daughters Harriett and Heidi, and in 1967 they welcomed their third daughter, Monica.

Marie and Erwin worked hard alongside each other, opening, and running several successful businesses.  They first opened the Solvang Sausage Shop across from Solvang Park on First Street. They sold the shop and started their first restaurant, The Continental Inn on Alisal Road.

With the first restaurant going in full swing, they started their own catering business and opened a second restaurant called the Valley Steak House in Buellton, now known as The Hitching Post.

Marie was a devoted wife and mother who kept an immaculate and loving home where family and friends were always welcome. She and Erwin were dedicated community members, giving back wherever they could, whether that be in their kids’ classrooms, to other children in need, high school sporting events, and much more.

In 1984, Marie became a grandmother, which would be one of her greatest joys in life. From then on, she became known as Omi to all her knew her.

All 10 of her grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren would declare Omi to be the most loving and gracious grandmother of all time; often taking her grandchildren camping in Pismo, having picnics in her yard, and making each of them feel they were loved, and they could do anything they set their mind to.

Marie leaves behind her devoted and loving husband Erwin of 67 years; daughters Harriett (Gene) Madsen, Heidi (Russell) Moir, and Monica (Robb) Courtney; 10 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

Even though she will be greatly missed, her family is thankful that she has been released from the horrible disease of Alzheimer’s and is fully restored and in the loving presence of her Lord and Savior.