Donald Ostrem

OSTREM, Donald Jerome On July 19, 2008, Donald Ostrem passed away at his winter home in Maui, Hawaii at the age of 82. Don was born February 11, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Pastor Gustav and Ragnhild Ostrem (Skaret). He spent his childhood in the towns where his father preached: Admiral and Preeceville, Saskatchewan, and Ryley, Alberta. At the age of 17 he joined the navy, working on corvettes as an asdic operator. Upon returning from sea, he attended Camrose Lutheran College where he met fellow student Marion Lyseng who became his wife in 1948. The newlyweds moved to Joliet, Illinois, where Don started working in the laboratory of Blockson Chemical. While in Illinois, they had three children: Karen, Marilyn and Tom. In 1963 the family moved back to Canada where Don started Ostrem Chemical Company - a one-man operation at first. He made the sales calls, mixed the orders and delivered the products himself. During these years, Don had great fun camping, fishing and skiing with his wife, kids, and any cousins, aunts and uncles he could persuade to join him. In 1987 Don sold the company, and he and Marion started spending more time in Maui where he earned his sea captain's license, and spent happy days boating, fishing, swimming, cooking and entertaining. Don loved his life and sharing stories about it. He had a great store of memories that he recorded in an autobiography called Who is Donald? Just a few weeks prior to his death he talked of rewriting the book to add more stories and some photos. Three years ago Don was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and was less able to do the things he loved. Despite that he remained cheerful to the end, grateful to his constant companion Marion and to all those who assisted with his care. In his last days he continued to enjoy playing Scrabble and working on the daily crossword puzzle. Don died at home with his wife Marion, grandson Erik and Erik's wife Marina at his side. Don loved a great many people who are missing his presence: his wife Marion; children Karen and Drew Dobbie, Marilyn and Roar Tungland, Tom and Margaret Ostrem; grandchildren: Emma, Marta and Liza Dobbie; Sarah Tungland and her husband Chris Orthner; Ben Tungland and his wife Tina; Erik Tungland and his wife Marina; Donald, Steven, Mary and Julie Ostrem; sister Gloria Sawai; sister-in-law Sigrid Ostrem; his Lyseng sisters and brothers-in-law; cousins; nieces; nephews and many cherished friends. He was predeceased by his brother Robert. Don's life will be celebrated Monday, August 4th at 3:00 p.m. at the Old Timers Cabin in Edmonton, 9430 - 99 Street. Donations in Don's memory may be made to University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, Room 1H1.91 WMC, 8440 -112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, or to the charity of your choice.