HOWARD OSTROM

HOWARD OSTROM

Howard C Ostrom, 90, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather died 4-30-22 at Luther Memorial Home surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born on 10-24-1931 at Logan Center, ND to Mollie (Walden) and Oscar Ostrom.

Howard, at the age of 3, lost his father to cancer. He gained Arnold Brekke as a step father at the age of 8 when Arnold married his mother. At this time they moved to Finley, living on the home farm. Howard spent considerable time working with Arnold on the farm. He graduated from Finley High School in 1950.

Howard married the love of his life, Joan Boelz, 9-14-1952. They remained in and around Finley, farming and raising various livestock. They were blessed with 3 children. Howard owned and managed the Finley Conoco station for many years, gaining many Conoco kids from the high school.

Howard was very involved in the Finley Community and stated it was what he enjoyed. He was an elected official for the City for over 30 years, with many of these years as mayor. On the Fire Department for 25 years. Steele County Commissioner. Member of Commercial Club, serving as an officer. Member of the Mayflower Masonic Lodge. On Finley Housing Cooperation, assisting with the first housing project. Member of Finley Lutheran Church, serving on the board for many years and was a Junior League Advisor. Member of the Finley Ambulance Squad, even before they had an ambulance. Director for Finley Farmers Elevator, serving as president. Worked tirelessly on the IsoStraw Board. Served on several Community Committees for various events in Finley. He received the 1997 Finley Community Service Award for his years of Commitment and Dedication to the Finley Community.

Upon retirement Howard and Joan were able to enjoy traveling, even getting all the way to Norway with friends. Howard also enjoyed driving cars for Finley Motors and never seemed to get tired of driving.

Howard was an avid sports fan following The Twins, The Vikings, The Timberwolves, and UND Sioux. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren competing in various sports and other activities. There were not many years that Joan and Howard missed the ND State Class B Basketball Tournament. In 2016 Howard and Joan were honored by the Finley Sharon School for their years of support and loyalty given to the students. They cheered them on whether they were Wildcats, Raiders, Mustangs, Cougars, or Spartans.

Howard is survived by his wife, Joan, of 69.5 years. Children Deborah (Fred) Wentz, West Fargo, Coleen (Chad) Bomber, Finley, and Mitchell (Bobbie) Ostrom, Finley. Grandchildren Evan Wentz, Sheena (Chad) Helmstetler, Lucas (Amber) Bomber, Wade Bomber, Travis Bomber, Tanner Ostrom, Dillan Ostrom, Karlie (Wade) Clark. Great Grandchildren Declan and Graydon Helmstetler, Kayleigh Bomber, Victoria, Christian, and Eliana Bomber and Jaycee Clark. Sister-in-laws Roxy Boelz and Lona Boelz Rix.  Many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and step father. Brothers Kermit, Louie, and Merle. Sisters Mavis, Alpha, and Eunice. Grandson Aric Bomber. Brother-in-laws James Mootz, James McKay, Carl Gullicks, Ken Bjugstad, and Dale Boelz. Sister-in-laws Lois Ostrom Odegaard, Darlene Ostrom and Lucille Ostrom Deghi. Mother and Father In-Law Myrt and Clarence Boelz.  Several nieces and nephews.

What a legacy, what a life. Howard will be missed greatly. “Say not in grief he is no more but in thankfulness that he was.” Hebrew Proverb.

A Funeral will be held at the Finley Lutheran Church on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 1pm. Visitation will be Thursday, May 5 from 5-7pm with a Prayer Service at 7pm.

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