Ronald Everett Ostrus

***The service recording is posted below the obituary.  Due to unforeseen circumstances the minister was not able to be with us in person and conducted the services remotely.***

Ronald Everett Ostrus, 94, of Wiota, Iowa, died Monday, January 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the Exira Care Center.

Ronald Everett Ostrus was born on October 13, 1929, in Franklin Township, Cass County, Iowa, in the family farm house, where he also grew up, the son of Everett and Ruth (Lamborn) Ostrus.  He attended Norway Center Country School, graduated from Wiota High School in the Class of 1947, and studied Animal Husbandry at Iowa State University, graduating in 1949.

Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1951, leaving behind his high school sweetheart, Beulah Cue to begin basic training.  On October 10, 1951, while on leave, he came home and married his beautiful bride, Beulah and immediately returned to the Air Force Base in California to ship out overseas the next day.  Ron spent a year and a half in Japan during the Korean Conflict serving his country.  He was later stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where Beulah joined him.  Ron was honorably discharged in January of 1955, and came back to Iowa to start farming south of Wiota.

Several years later Ron was able to purchase his grandparents farm, where he built a new home board by board and named it “Sol Bakken Farm,” which in Norwegian means “Sunny Hill.”   He continued farming throughout his life but also built bridges for Elk Horn Construction. 

After retiring in 1991, Ron and Beulah enjoyed wintering in Port Lavaca, Texas and made lifelong snow bird friends.  Ron became active in the Local Rural Electric Company and servied on the board of directors for 12 years.  The couple volunteered for various groups and delivered Meals on Wheels for 18 years.  A huge highlight of his retirement was joining fellow Veterans on the Honor Flight to our nation’s capital to tour many historic places.

He was a member of Wiota United Methodist Church, for over 60 years.  Ron and Beulah were active in various roles which included being sponsors of Methodist Youth Fellowship, Sunday School Superintendent, and held various positions on the church board.  

Ron’s family was always the most important thing in his life!  He looked forward to spending time with family whether it be a birthday party, holidays or taking a vacation trip, and during these times together shared stories of building bridges.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Beulah Ostrus; children, Kathryn Ostrus, Raymond (Patricia) Ostrus and Douglas (Elizabeth) Ostrus; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Carol Grebe; and many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Richard in infancy; and brother, Curtis Ostrus. 

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 25th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 26th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.  Burial, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.  The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by noon on Saturday.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ronald’s family and his arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.