Robert “Bob” Forrest Ostrum age 75 of Deer Park, WI. passed away surrounded by his family Friday July 3rd at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
He was born on August 8th, 1944 to Forrest and Elizabeth Ostrum at Baldwin Community Hospital, Baldwin WI. He was raised on the farm in Hammond Wisconsin; graduating from Hammond High School where he lettered all four years in baseball, receiving great coaching from his dad. Growing up on the farm he loved pheasant hunting and enjoyed family trips north to the big woods of Drummond WI, where many whitetail deer were bagged. After high school, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 7th Infantry Division. He served during the Korean Conflict in the DMZ zone. He was honorably discharged October 18th, 1971.
In 1971 Bob was united in marriage to Shirley Fern. From this marriage they were blessed with three children. In his early career, he was a carpenter and built several spec homes. In 1976 they moved to Deer Park, WI. In 1980 he established Ostrum Rack and Bunk, which evolved to Ostrum Wood Products. He was an extremely talented woodworker and his trade included building ag equipment including feeders, hay racks, bunks etc. He also made beautiful cedar lawn furniture including picnic tables, arbors, benches, planters, chairs etc. Everyone who has bought a piece of his work is impressed by his meticulous and sturdy craftsmanship. Bob was an extremely hard worker and took pride in his work.
When you couldn’t find Bob in his wood shop, you might find him tinkering with antique tractors, fishing and whitetail deer hunting with his children in November. They also enjoyed camping in Shell Lake. His most recent project was restoring a 1954 Willys Military Jeep.
Bob was the kind of man that to know him is to love him, because everyone who met him loved his kind, gentle demeanor and he is irreplaceable in the hearts of his family.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Elizabeth Ostrum, brother, David Ostrum, and sister, Marjorie Brathall.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of Deer Park; one son, Abraham Ostrum of Amery, two daughters, Joy Jackson of Clayton and Emily (Mike) Raddatz of Deer Park. Granddaughters Kaitlyn and Leah, and grandson Adam. Great grandsons, Carter and Carsyn. Sisters Bonnie (Danny) Tavares of Zephyr Hills, Florida, Karen (Tom) McAndrew of Boyceville, WI, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best little buddy, “Willie” the Red Golden Retriever.
Funeral service for Bob will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Star Prairie, On Tuesday July 7th, 2020 at 4:00 pm with a gathering of family and friends, respecting social distancing from 2-4. Burial will follow immediately at the Baldwin Cemetery. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.
