David (Dave) Ostendorf, age 65, passed away suddenly on February 12, 2024, following a stroke. Throughout his life, Dave dedicated himself to overcoming kidney disease, which he battled for over thirty years, serving as a tremendous source of inspiration for others. Many sought guidance, advice, and hope from him and his wife, Sue. Despite his struggle with Alport syndrome, Dave maintained a cheerful outlook and sense of humor, courageously recovering from two kidney transplants. His resilience was a beacon of strength to all who knew him.
Dave was born Sept. 18, 1958. He married Sue Pilkey in 1989 in Freeport, MN. Together, they enjoyed numerous mini road trips and found joy in training and sharing their golden retrievers with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients for therapy. Dave had a deep love for his dogs. He was in his element in the kitchen and delighted in sharing his baked goods with those he loved. He cherished moments spent with family, especially swinging in the hammock by the lake at Sue’s parent’s home in Park Rapids. Dave was known for his vibrant personality and was often the life of the party. In recent years, he developed a passion for creating wreaths and swags and took pleasure in nurturing his gardens at home. Dave’s love for teasing and laughter made him the fun uncle in the family. He found fulfillment as Regional Manager for Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Hardee’s. He mentored and inspired countless individuals. His passion for helping people and his ability to transfer his understanding of the dynamics of the restaurant business helped others reach their full potential in the industry.
Dave is survived by his devoted wife Sue; siblings Sue (Chuck) Walz and Keith (Marina) Ostendorf; stepmom Phyllis Sopkowiak; stepsiblings Jerome (Lisa) Sopkowiak, Lyle (Jaye Ann) Sopkowiak, Joyce (Ron) Wohler, Joanne (Richard) Foust, and Lois Reishus; mother-in-law Leona Pilkey; sister in-laws Diane (Dan) Ellis and Patty (Dan) Harsha and brother-in-law Jay Pilkey; numerous nieces and nephews; and dogs Trevor and Dezi.
Preceding Dave in death were his parents Dorothy in 1985 and Larry in 2024; siblings Michael in 1992, Joanne in 2002, and Sharon in 2020; and father-in-law Dave Pilkey in 2023.
On April 5, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Minnesota, we will honor Dave with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m., mass at 11:30 a.m., and a meal at 12:30 p.m. There will also be a tribute to his dad Larry at this time. In accordance with Dave’s wishes, his body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program for science research. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Freeport cemetery. Memorials are preferred.
Arrangements with Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home in Anoka.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-