Richard Ethan Ostrander

GLADSTONE — Richard Ethan Ostrander passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 16, 2022. He was 79.

Richard was born July 8, 1942, in Watertown, S.D. His parents were Ethan and Dorothy Ostrander. He has three younger siblings, Mary Lou, Dan, and Geralyn. Together, they worked their family farm during his formative years.

Richard graduated from Watertown High School and the University of South Dakota.

He married Janet Popham in 1964 in Watertown, S.D. and together they moved to Gladstone, Mich. where Richard worked many years as the manager of the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds until his retirement.

Richard and Janet raised three children together, Mark, Ann, and Andy.

He was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Escanaba Kiwanis Club, 4-H, Serra Club FFA, Michigan State Fair Association, and participated in prison ministries for many years.

Richard loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and expert agriculturalist. He and Janet traveled extensively throughout the United States. He loved country music, good food, and spending time with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Greipp (Paul) of Watertown, S.D.; brother, Dan Ostrander (Cindy) of Aberdeen, S.D.; sister, Geralyn Ham (David) of Wapato, Wash.; son, Mark Ostrander of Gladstone; daughter, Ann Evans (Dave) of High Shoals, Ga.; son, Andy Ostrander (Ange) of Wolfville, Canada; grandchildren, Stella Evans, Ethan Ostrander, and George Ostrander; and a host of treasured nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Janet.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24 from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian burial will follow at noon with Father Sebastian Chacko officiating.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations please be made to the Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Ostrander family.