Patrick Ostendorf

Patrick Dean Ostendorf (Ozzie), 64, of Platteville, passed away at Southwest Health Center on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Ozzie was born on February 14, 1959, in Platteville, WI to parents, Joan (Trentz) and Dean Ostendorf. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jenny (Wirth) Ostendorf on May 21, 1982.

Ozzie graduated from Platteville High School in 1977. Upon graduation he began working for the family tree business, William's Tree Service, and began farming. Over the years, he also worked for Wisconsin Power & Light, Hooper Corporation, Asplundh Tree, and Michael's. He finished his career driving truck for H.O. Wolding/Bison Transport where he received his first award for hitting 1 million miles of safe driving in 2015, followed by three additional driving awards. He was a proud IBEW union member for three decades.

In addition to his tree work and trucking, he also farmed on the side. Ozzie and Jenny purchased their first herd of cattle after their wedding and started building the family farm. His incredible work ethic, tireless energy, and his passion for helping others truly will leave an everlasting legacy.

Throughout the years, he also picked up wood working, building benches and an entertainment center for the family farmhouse. When he wasn't working his full-time job, Ozzie enjoyed working on his cabin, which he had recently started building on the family tree farm. He spent lots of time out there the last year trying to finish it up before retirement and the family will make sure it's completed to be a place to gather with family and friends.

Growing up and into his adulthood, Ozzie was active in sports and enjoyed watching them on tv, despite his wife's attempts to get the remote. In high school he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran cross country. He spent many summer evenings playing softball for Ted's Place, William's Tree Service and Jamison's General Store, and participated in many Badger State Games.

In addition to sports, he grew up an avid outdoorsman - fishing, hunting, and visiting his family's cabin in Northern Wisconsin to snowmobile. Ozzie loved to hunt and looked forward to every deer season, hanging with his friends and spending time in his stand or at the cabin. He also very much enjoyed watching his children grow up and play sports throughout the years. 

For those that knew Ozzie, you knew in addition to being a hard worker, he was quite the instigator/prankster. He could be seen on a Friday night at a local supper club or on a Sunday morning enjoying breakfast with friends at a local restaurant giving everyone a hard time.

Ozzie's devotion to his family, friends, and community of Platteville/Lima Township was known to many. He served on the Platteville School Board for a few years and was the Chairperson for Lima Township for many years.

Ozzie is survived by his wife, Jenny of Platteville, WI; daughter, Kelsey (Kora), and granddaughter, Payson “PJ” of Omaha, NE, son Trevor (Mary) of Eau Claire, WI; two loyal pups, Tank and Jack, and special cat, Nikky. Additionally, brothers Mike of Platteville, WI and Tom of Phillips, WI, and sisters Sue (Agustin) of Cross Plains, WI and Lisa of Platteville, WI; Uncle JC Wirth of Germantown, WI, aunts Joyce (Ostendorf) Austin of Holman, WI, Marcia Trentz of Stoughton, WI, and Mary (Trentz) Schroeder of Franklin, WI. Also, brother in-law, Dave Bisbee (Bonnie) of Stoughton, WI, sister in-law, Barbara Allison Bisbee of Platteville, WI, brother in-law Richard Bisbee of Platteville, WI, and brother in-law Gary Poller; five nieces, eight nephews, many close cousins, and great-nieces and nephews. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Joan (Trentz) and Dean Ostendorf. In-laws, Mary (Poad) and Neil Wirth, sister in-law, Christine (Bisbee) Poller, Myra (Poad) and Bud Pilling, Mary (Wirth) and Jack Fenner, Arline Wirth, grandparents George and Ruth Trentz and Katherine (Ostendorf) and Paul Dyson; uncles Jim (Patsy) Trentz, George Jr. Trentz, Paul Trentz, and Bill Ostendorf.

The Ostendorf family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kevin Carr and many other doctors and nurses at Southwest Health who took care of him the last few months as he battled this rare cancer. Additionally, all his close friends and family who helped take him to appointments, helped with projects as he “supervised” the last few months, and were just there to visit with him. It truly takes a village and Ozzie loved his village.

Visitation will be from 12pm-2pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Melby Funeral Home in Platteville. Following visitation, there will be a Celebration of Life starting at 3pm at Crossroads Supper Club in Arthur, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Special Olympics, Grant County Humane Society, or charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.