DEERFIELD - It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Howard Paul “Howie” Ostrem, 80, of Deerfield, Wis. Howard passed away on June 12, 2024, at Agrace Hospice Inpatient related to complications of prostate cancer and vascular dementia.

Howard was born on Oct. 23, 1943, to Hazel (Berge) and Ole Ostrem in Viroqua, Wis. After graduating from Viroqua High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served alongside his older brother, Gary, during the Vietnam War. Howard married Ruth Anderson (Weyrauch) on April 11, 1970.

Howie made many friends in the 30 years that he worked at Oscar Mayer. He knew every Ole and Lena joke and shared them all. He enjoyed watching the Brewers, attending his grandchildren’s sport events, gardening, hunting, and trap shooting, including at the ATA Grand American Championships.

Howard is survived by his significant other, Phylis "Lena" Fowler; his daughters, Kim Ramsey (George Puckett) and Kami Maloney (Aaron Maloney); four grandchildren, Ariel, Paige, Skyler, and Lucas; five great-grandchildren; sister, Betty (Daniel) Stalsberg; half-brother, Clifford Ostrem; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children, Ruth Anderson. Howie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary and Kenneth Ostrem; and one half-brother and three half-sisters.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024. A funeral service will be held at VANG LUTHERAN, S1721 Vang Road, Westby, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024. A graveside service will follow at Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. A special thank you to Agrace Hospice, especially Melissa Mikkelson. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Howard Paul Ostrem

October 23, 1943 - June 12, 2024

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