Harry Ostendorf

Harry Ostendorf, age 93 formerly of Oshkosh, Wisconsin died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the Salem Regional Medical Center in Salem, Ohio due to complications of Covid-19. 

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

Harry was a long-time member of Grace Reformed Church in Fond du Lac and most recently of First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh.

Harry was hired by what was then Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh in fall 1964 where he remained a professor for 30 years, retiring in June 1994 and then where he continued to teach part-time until 1998.   He was one of two original members of the Accounting Department at the time the College of Business of formed.  Harry received the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Distinguished Teaching Award in 1990, served as Chair of the Accounting Department from 1991-1994, and when he retired his past students and many of his colleagues funded the “Harry Ostendorf Accounting Scholarship” in his honor which continues to be awarded annually to a deserving UW Oshkosh accounting student.   Harry was a proud Titan Booster Club member, attending UWO football and basketball games for 55 years and he also participated back-in-the-day in the faculty bowling league where he once scored a 288-game.

Prior to moving to Oshkosh, WI in 1964 Harry lived in Iowa.   He 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 chose to accept a position in Oshkosh just credits shy of obtaining his doctorate.

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

Harry loved to travel – nationally and internationally, to play cards including a good game of cribbage, had a hard time putting down a captivating book and was a Sudoku master.   He always had a smile, a love of life and a love for the Lord.

“I’ve lived a good life.”  - Harry O.

Harry is survived by his daughter Tammy (Norbert) Hettinga of Salem, OH and by his son Mark (Ken) Ostendorf of Brookfield, WI; his grandson Benjamin (Ada) Hettinga, and granddaughter Michelle (Jacob) Bails; his grandchildren Trevor, Adam, Hadley, Jared, Reagan and Esther; special friend Barbara Gusick; loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his son, David H. Ostendorf, his parents and his brothers and sisters (Frank, Clara, Jeanette, John and Lydia).

Due to the complexity of Covid-19, there will be a celebration of life at a later date when it is safe to gather family and friends.

Arrangements were handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Salem, OH.

To view Harry’s obituary or send condolences, visit starkmemorial.com

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