Robert Ostrander

Robert Clarence ‘Bob’ Ostrander age 81 of River Falls, died October 3, 2023 at his residence as he was surrounded by his family. Bob was born on February 15, 1942, in Janesville, Wisconsin, the son of Clarence and Dora Marie (Schwartzlow) Ostrander. Raised in Janesville, he attended West Center Elementary School before graduating from Janesville High School. As a young man, he proudly enlisted in the Armed Services and served in the United States Air Force, providing ground support for the B52’s, cultivating his love for flying alongside his father, a gifted pilot. Upon his honorable discharge, he met the love of his life. On April 16, 1967, he was united in marriage to Richlynn Keller at Armstrong Methodist Chapel in Greenhill, Indiana. This union was blessed with three children: Kurt, Scot, and Laura.

Bob dedicated his career to the aviation industry, working as an air freight agent for North Central Airlines, which later merged with others to become Republic Airlines, then Northwest Airlines, and eventually Delta Airlines. Additionally, he served as a co-pilot with Yankee Aviation and was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Bob loved every aspect of his country and the life it offered his family. An avid outdoorsman, he looked forward to peaceful days musky fishing in and around Hayward. Crafty and hands-on, he enjoyed building a bass boat from scratch with his son Scot. During the fall, he eagerly donned his orange hunting gear, relishing the annual deer hunt joining his family and friends.

Bob’s passion for flying extended to his memberships in the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Commemorative Air Force, where he believed in passing on aviation history to others. He took pride in his life-long association with the Civil Air Patrol. For the past forty years, he and his family have attended the Oshkosh Air Show. A proud member of the River Falls American Legion Post and the National Rifle Association, he balanced his love for flying with a commitment to community and country.

Despite his many interests, Bob’s greatest love was his family. He cherished his children and took great pride in them. The loss of his son Kurt in 1976 was a profound sorrow, but the birth of his daughter, Laura, following Kurt’s death, brought him great joy. His grandsons, the “three amigos,” brought immense happiness, influencing the phrase “Running on MM T” (empty) – Mitchell, Matthew, and Thomas.

Bob had a dry, witty sense of humor, and if you were the target of his teasing, it meant he liked you. Known for his generosity, he would give his last dollar to ensure a child had a candy bar. He loved having his grandsons and their friends over, making sure the freezer was stocked with Schwan’s ice cream sandwiches; only to the disappointment when Richlynn went to get one and they were gone!

Bob is survived by his best friend and wife, Richlynn; son Scot (Molly) Ostrander; daughter Laura (Jason) Auchampach; grandsons Mitchell, Matthew, Thomas; brother Ken (Roberta) Ostrander; sister Judy (David) Baum; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Kurt.

A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Wednesday, October 18th, from 4 pm to 6 pm, with a prayer service at 6 pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls. Burial will take place on Friday, October 20th, with visitation at 11 am and burial at noon at Milton Lawns Memorial Park Cemetery, 2200 Milton Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls.