Harry OSTENDORF

OSTENDORF, BLAU, ROOS, HETTINGA, BAILS, GUSICK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:42

September 28, 1927 ---- December 13, 2020

Harry Ostendorf, 93, formerly of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, died Dec. 13, 2020 at Salem Regional Medical Center in Salem, Ohio due to complications of Covid-19. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Harry was born Sept. 28, 1927 in Oakland Township, Franklin County, Iowa, to Otto F. and Katie (Blau) Ostendorf. Harry married Muriel Mae Roos April 7, 1953 at Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon.

Harry attended school in Alexander and then earned his bachelor’s degree from Central College in Pella. He was a high school teacher in northwest Iowa where he also coached girls’ basketball before moving to Iowa City to work on a doctorate while teaching at the University of Iowa.

Harry was hired by what was then Wisconsin State University - Oshkosh in the fall of 1964 where he remained a professor for 30 years. He retired in June 1994 but continued to teach part time until 1998.

Harry was a Navy officer, serving from March 1946-July 1946 (World War II) and January 1951-May 1954 (Korean War).

He was preceded in death by his wife; son David H. Ostendorf; and siblings Frank, Clara, Jeanette, John and Lydia. Harry is survived by his daughter Tammy (Norbert) Hettinga of Salem, OH; son Mark (Ken) Ostendorf of Brookfield, WI; grandson Benjamin (Ada) Hettinga; granddaughter Michelle (Jacob) Bails; grandchildren Trevor, Adam, Hadley, Jared, Reagan and Esther; and special friend Barbara Gusick.

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[interment in New Elm Cemetery, Black Wolf, Winnebago County, Wisconsin]