Roger Ostby

Roger R. Ostby passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2009. A memorial service and celebration of Roger's life will be at 11am on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Nazareth Lutheran Church chapel in Cedar Falls. Inurnment will be at Hillside Cemetery. Roger was born October 12, 1914 in Freeborn County, MN to Paul and Emma Gavle Ostby. He graduated from Kensett High School and Luther College. After college, Roger enlisted in the Navy and began training to become a pilot in August, 1940. He received his wings in June, 1941 and was commissioned Ensign. During WWII he was a flight instructor at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, TX and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was one of five brothers who served during the war. After the war, he worked for the Veteran's Administration as a training officer locating and supervising on-the-job training for disabled veterans. Later he went into sales and retired from Sears in 1977. He married Naomi Erickson on May 20. 1942 and they spent 64 years together until her death in 2006. Roger was proud of his Norwegian heritage. In 1975 he helped organize the Sons of Norway Solglimt Lodge and served as its first President. Roger was an active and faithful member of Nazareth Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. He especially enjoyed the fellowship at the weekly senior luncheon. Roger was youthful in body and spirit throughout his life. He was an avid duck hunter and golfer into his 80's and learned to water ski when he was 68. He also enjoyed following Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball. Those left to honor his memory include sons James (Karla) of Waukee, Steven (Hilda) of Cedar Falls, and John (Sandy) of Hastings, MN; grandchildren Jill Majeres, Abigail Bracke, Katherine Lester, Aaron Uban, Shannon Jarrett, Max Ostby, Eli Ostby, Leah Ostby, Joseph Ostby, Eric Ostby, Anna Prettyman, Tim Ostby, Janelle Ostby and Katrina Ostby; 17 great-grandchildren and two sisters Edythe Stovern and Clarine Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters and his wife, Naomi. Roger will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Memorials may be directed to Christian Crusaders, PO Box 522, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-0027.

Roger Ostby

August 20, 1912 - July 21, 2009