7/1/1936 – 5/13/2017
Omaha – Carl Richard Ostrom, age 80, passed away while in the care of family and the staff at Brookestone Village. He was the son of Carl E. Ostrom and Anna Polson. Carl graduated from Omaha North High School, and was stationed on the DMZ in South Korea for the U.S. Army. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering & Business from UNO, and a Master’s of Engineering Degree from the Valmont Engineering & Technology Center. Carl worked 30+ years at Valmont Industries in Research & Development before retiring in 1999. A key development he championed while at Valmont was the irrigation corner system which increased farming yields by 25% and contributed to the feeding of the world.
Carl is preceded in death by Parents: Carl & Anna Ostrom; Sister: Donna Bolton; Brother-in-Law: Byron Young; Survived by Wife of 57 years: Dolores “Dee Dee”; Son: Michael Ostrom (Kristin); Daughters: Kathy Payn (Jeff), Laura Hadwiger (Bruce); Grandchildren: Josh Ostrom, Matt Friedman, Liz Hadwiger, Kyle Hadwiger; Sister: Beverly Young; Brother-in-Law: Dick Bolton; Sister-in-Law: Carol Scheerbaum; Treasured nieces, nephews, & friends.
A devoted family man, Carl was dedicated and most loyal to his wife, Dolores. Carl and Dolores were married for 57 years and lived in the family home for almost all that time. His children, Michael, Kathy and Laura, and their families, brought him much joy and happiness.
Carl enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including piloting his Cessna, racing motorcycles, shooting skeet, fishing, hunting, and assembling electronics. He was an avid problem solver, able to quickly size up a solution after a quick review of a perplexing situation.
The family home was full of love and bustling with activity. Carl was the handyman-in-chief, with an ability to improve and repair almost anything. Carl’s father, Carl E., owned an Auto Repair Shop where “Sonny” began developing his amazing mechanical aptitude. Carl was the architect and designer of a custom kitchen remodel, unique backyard deck and many other projects over the years.
Many long family road trips were inspired by Sonny, typically involving beautiful lakes, fishing and visits to out of state family members. On these trips, Carl was the leader of the pack, driving the entire distance and doing his best to keep peace in the back of the station wagon. The family always went home with special memories. As best as we understand it, Carl is now on a trip of peace and love, hopefully with his Mother, Father, Sister Donna, Brother-in-Law Byron and other dear family and friends that have left this beautiful Earth earlier. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary, 108th Street Chapel 2727 N. 108th Street Omaha, Nebraska; Funeral Service 4:00 PM Thursday (5/18/2017) at Augustana Lutheran Church 3647 Lafayette Avenue Omaha, Nebraska, Interment Friday 9:00 AM at Forest Lawn Cemetery Omaha, Nebraska
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be considered for Augustana Lutheran Church or Alzheimer’s Association.
Grief is a process that’s different for every individual. It’s comforting to know that we have a Heavenly Father who knows our inner-most struggles to come to terms with our loss. I recently lost a brother, a sister-in-law and most recently a best friend so I can sympathize with your pain. I found a comforting scripture at 2 Corithians 1:3-4 which speaks of Jehovah as the God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our trials. I hope this brings you the same comfort as it has me. For more comforting thoughts visit JW. Org.
My husband and I are truly sorry for your tremendous loss and would like to express our condolences to the entire family. We cannot imagine the great pain and sorrow you are experiencing during this very difficult time. It is our sincere hope you find comfort in knowing that God has promised to “swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:8), and that he will resurrect our dear loved ones who have passed away. (John 5:28). May your many great memories help you find peace and comfort as you go through the coming days.
Carl interviewed me for my first real Engineering job at Valmont, fresh out of college so many years ago. He was a great mentor and a wonderful person. I have found memories of our projects and friendship. He and you his family are in my prayers.
Your families are in my prayers.