David G. “Dave” Ostendorf, age 78, passed away on Friday, June 28th, 2024 at his home in Grey Eagle, Minnesota.
Dave was a father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, godfather, racer, builder, engineer, inventor, avid gardener, caretaker, hunter, card player, teacher, and friend.
Dave was a huge fan of racing, and exceptionally skilled at designing and building any number of mechanical devices, including custom-made sleds and race cars. If he didn’t have the tool needed for something, he would invent his own. In prior years he channeled these passions and skills into business ventures, including Ostendorf Fireplace Furnaces and Davco Racing.
In January 1972, at the age of 25, Dave competed in the renowned four-day International 500 snowmobile race from Winnipeg, Canada to St. Paul, Minnesota. Of the 308 entries, Dave placed 29th, with a total of just over 17 hours. He walked away with a bit of frostbite to accompany his huge smile. This was one of his proudest stories to tell his children.
Dave loved to spend time at the family farm outside of Grey Eagle. He enjoyed sitting in his green chair near the garden watching for deer, finding peace in the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. Dave was proud to share the progress on the Plymouth Coupe he had been building. He also loved Old-Time and Tejano music, as well as visiting all kinds of museums.
Dave enjoyed traveling with his family: California, Vegas, North Carolina, New England, and Mexico. Time with his sisters was special for him, as the oldest child and only son in the family. Together they visited Florida, the Grand Canyon, Arizona, Ohio, and Nevada.
Dave is survived by his children, Scott of San Francisco, Mari (Jim) of Los Angeles, Leo (Diane) of St. Stephen, Nicole (Rafa) of Guadalajara, Mexico, their mother Bernie Ostendorf of St. Cloud, daughter Jade of Minneapolis and her mother Turea Sam; granddaughters Cedar, Sage, and Sofia; sisters, Ermina Blaeser, Sharon Maciej, Noreen Zollar, Alice Weibye, and Debbie Vogel; aunt Lorraine Folta, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dave will be greeted in heaven by his parents, Wilfred and Juletta Ostendorf, and other loved ones who passed before him.
Dave was a man ahead of his time. His wisdom lives on in all of us. He will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Parish Hall of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. All will be invited to share memories of Dave, followed by a luncheon. Casual attire; feel free to wear a hat or shirt that reminds you of Dave.
Memorials are preferred.
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