William (Bill) Ostendorf

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grey Eagle for William (Bill) Ostendorf, age 77 of Citrus Heights, CA. Father Ronald Dockendorf will officiate and inurnment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church.
William (Bill) Emil Ostendorf was born February 25, 1940 in Grey Eagle to Bernard and Mathilda (Woeste) Ostendorf. He attended school in Grey Eagle and graduated with the class of 1958. Bill joined the National Guard in March 1957 and United States Air Force in January 1959. He was a Flight Engineer, Chief Engineer and Senior Enlisted Advisor during his 28 year military career and retired as Chief Master Sergeant July 31, 1985 from McClellan AFB. Bill was awarded many medals for his distinguished career in the service of his country. His career included the entire Vietnam War and his proudest moments were when he had the honor of escorting POW’s home to America.
Bill’s early years were spent on the family farm east of Grey Eagle. He married Veeta Lyons April 5, 1966 in Savannah, GA. After his retirement from the USAF, Bill worked as a greens keeper at a golf course for 10 years until COPD forced him to retire. Bill loved golfing, fishing and camping, but most of all he loved spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years Veeta, daughter Katrina, grand-daughter Yasmin all of Citrus Heights; brother Leander, Tempe, AZ; sisters Viola Berscheid, Melrose, MN, Joanne Heffron and Lorraine Folta, Grey Eagle, MN and 43 nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin, Wilfred, Gilbert, LeRoy, Edwin, Vernon, Cyril; sisters Irene, Rita and Anna Mae.