John Thomas Ostenson, 71, passed away Saturday, May 16, at Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ. He was a former resident of Fargo and Casselton, ND.
John was born in Fargo on November 22, 1948 to Tom and Connie Ostenson. He graduated from Fargo North High School in 1966 and St. Olaf College in 1970 with a major in Church Music and a specialty in organ performance. He shared his joy and talents as an organist by working as Minister of Music at churches in Hoboken, NJ; Fargo (Messiah Lutheran Church); and the Phoenix area, including Church of the Palms in Sun City. In addition to organ duties, he directed choirs and musical productions. He also worked as a music teacher in Casselton, ND and Roseville, CA. Hopefully heaven is now resounding with the sounds of John playing the “King of Instruments” while the choirs are singing.
John was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Connie Ostenson. He is survived by his sister Mary Ostenson Broude, Tustin, CA and numerous cousins.
When safe travel is possible, John will be inurned adjacent to his parents in the mausoleum at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.
