Charles Ostrem
June 20, 1934 - November 05, 2015
Obituary
Charles Ostrem was born on June 20, 1934 in Viroqua Wisconsin, the sixth of seven children of Hilda and Arthur Ostrem. On November 5, 2015, at the age of 81, he died leaving his wife and five kids behind with hearts filled with wonderful memories. Visitation services for Charlie will be at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville Wisconsin on Thursday evening, November 12 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral service will be on Friday November 13, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville, WI with burial at Bethel Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI later that afternoon. Online condolences can be shared at www.melbyfh.com.
Charlie was raised on the family farm in Viroqua. He attended Viroqua area schools and graduated in 1952. He met his future bride in high school. Charlie and Catherine (Hanson) were married on February 25, 1956 in Viroqua. The couple started their 59 year marriage on a farm in rural Viroqua. Charlie went on to work for Tri State Breeders which brought the young family to Livingston, WI. He later worked on a large farm in the Livingston area and ultimately enjoyed a 30 year career working for the Village of Livingston. Charlie and Catherine "retired" in 1999. They enjoyed over 50 years of membership at the Lutheran Church of Peace. Charlie gave his family a great foundation in the church and love and commitment to our families.
Charlie and Catherine raised five children; Lenora (Julius) Lexington,KY, Mark (Jeri) Rochester, MN, Gary (Jeanine) Uxbridge, MA, Brian (Wendy) Saint Louis Park, MN, Glenn (Jodi) Leavenworth, WA. Charlie and Catherine have eight grandchildren, Megan (David) Barajas and Jamie Ostrem, Ashley and Haley Ostem, Quincy and Kyle Ostrem, Cameron and Carly Ostrem. His first great granddaughter, Nina Barajas, was born just a few weeks ago. Charlie enjoyed traveling around the country visiting his kids and their families. Charlie enjoyed golfing as many rounds as he could get in each year, gardening and yard care, and visiting with friends and relatives in southern tropics during winter months.
Charlie is survived by his wife Catherine, his children, grandchildren and granddaughter. Charlie's brother, Ardene, and sister, Ruthann also survive. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his older siblings, Lorraine, Eunice, Deloris and Laverne and an infant brother. Charlie will be missed tremendously by his family and friends. Memorials for Charlie will be shared with his church and emergency medical support volunteers.