Matt and Marilyn Osterhaus: Creating a future of wellness
Matt Osterhaus moved to Maquoketa at a young age when his parents Bob and Ann Osterhaus opened Osterhaus Pharmacy in 1965. He met his wife Marilyn in pharmacy school and together they started managing the family business in 1983.
Matt grew up in a close family of ten. As a Christmas tradition, everyone in his family would give to a local cause instead of exchanging gifts. When his brother Luke passed away, he and his siblings continued that tradition in his memory by becoming founding donors of the Maquoketa Area YMCA—something Luke, an avid athlete and runner, would have been proud of.
“We’ve been involved in a lot of different causes in Maquoketa, but I think the Y stands for something we feel strongly about: the idea that all people in our community should have opportunities for health and wellness,” says Matt. “So when they were able to name the track after Luke, it was very fitting.”
Amidst a terrible loss, Matt’s family came together to help build an organization that would bring an entire community together for the greater good.
“We never imagined we’d raise as much as we did, and it was so exciting to donate in that way,” adds Marilyn. “The YMCA touches so many lives from all different backgrounds. It brings people together.”
Today, Matt and Marilyn continue to support health and wellness through a donor-advised fund and an endowment fund that will support the YMCA forever.
“The community has given us so much,” says Marilyn. “As the owners of a community pharmacy, giving back is important, and we know it will make great things happen for the next generation.”
To Maquoketa Area YMCA Director Scott Warren, that generosity is greatly appreciated. “The Osterhaus family gave generously and devoted many hours to make the Y a reality,” he says. “Their hard work and generosity will ensure our YMCA is here for future generations.”
Read more stories about the impact we’re making in Jackson County by visiting jacksoncountyfoundation.org.