Robert OSTREM

OSTREM, Robert Jonathan On July 22, 2004, Robert Ostrem, formerly of Camrose, passed away in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 70. Bob was born December 30, 1933 in Admiral Saskatchewan to Pastor Gustav and Ragnhild Ostrem (Skaret). He spent his childhood in the towns where his father preached: Admiral and Preeceville, Sask-atchewan, and Ryley, Alberta. In 1948, the family moved to Illinois where Bob completed high school. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, served in the US navy from 1956-1959, did graduate work at the University of Minnesota, City College of New York and received a Ph.D. from New York University. He married Sigrid Christiansen in 1958 and they were blessed with three children: Sten (Jill) of New Jersey, Sue currently working in Krakow, Poland and Kristi (Stan) Lacey of Camrose, Alberta. Bob taught psychology at Augustana University College in Camrose for 32 years. He loved his students, the staff and faculty, community and church in Camrose. After retiring in 1996, he and his wife Sigrid spent winters at their home in Mesa where they were often together with many of Bob's snowbird relatives from Alberta. They spent almost every summer of their married life at their cottage in Sister Bay, Wisconsin where many of Sigrid's extended family members also have cottages. During retirement, Bob got much satisfaction and joy from painting and silversmithing. His paintings have been displayed in galleries in Wisconsin and have been purchased by several universities for their permanent collections. Bob was also a fitness buff, and talented carpenter and handyman. Although in the past few years his lungs began growing weaker from pulmonary fibrosis, he continued playing tennis with Sigrid as long as he was able, pausing to use his oxygen tank when necessary. He also recently re-shingled his roof so Sigrid would have one less thing to worry about when he was gone. Bob's faith sustained him throughout his life and he faced his illness with acceptance and peace. He died in his sleep at home. A memorial service was held July 30th at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Sister Bay. During the service, Pastor Foster, quoting St. Irenaeus, described Bob: "The glory of God is man fully alive." Bob loved a great many people who are missing his presence: Sigrid, Sten, Jill, Sue, Kristi, Stan; grandchildren Cooper, Lauren and Marget (Meg); siblings Don Ostrem (Marion) and Gloria Sawai, nieces, nephews, cousins and many cherished friends.