Richard John Ostman

Richard “Rick” John Ostman was born on July 21, 1950, to Douglas and Margaret (Nelson) Ostman, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from Robbinsdale High School, Rick attended St. Cloud State University, majoring in music, before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served at Aberdeen Proving Ground and later in Nuremberg, Germany as a teacher to other soldiers, instructing them on repair and maintenance of helicopter guns.

After leaving the service, Rick went to work at Standard Heating and Air Conditioning of Minneapolis as an installer, a job he held for many years. It was during this time that he met Margaret “Peggy” Kraemer, and the two were married on May 9, 1981. They had two sons together, Matthew and Michael. Later, Rick left Standard to join his father in running Polar Tool, a dealer of new and used machine tools and inspection equipment in Minneapolis. Rick later took ownership of the company when Doug retired and continued operating it himself until his own retirement.

In his spare time, Rick enjoyed fishing and simply spending time out on the water. For many years he led his family on near-weekly trips ‘up to the lake’ to trailers on Lake Irene and later Lake Ida in the Alexandria area. He was a very handy person, and took joy in putting his hands to work building toys, items of furniture, and even new additions to the house for his family - who were his greatest passion.

Most of all, Rick was an avid supporter and cheerleader to his sons - he pushed them hard to succeed, and joined them in celebrating their successes. There was never a game, concert, or any other event that he would miss if he could help it. He was his sons’ biggest fan and most passionate supporter. Ever outgoing, Rick could sit down in just about any setting and make a new friend within minutes, and without fail any such conversation would before long turn to his pride in his family.

Rick passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 72.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Margaret Ostman; and brother, Lowell Ostman. Rick is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Kraemer-Ostman, and his sons, Matthew and Michael Ostman.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Honors will be provided by the Alexandria Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, American Legion Post 87, Marine Corps League Detachment 1409, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235, and the Minnesota National Honor Guard.