Mr. Ostrander---my baseball couch and friend... You were, and always will be one of the GREAT guys. You were the best, and many of us talk of you and your influence on our lives... R.I.P Sir...

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mr. Ostrander was an outstanding counselor and coach, and a true gentleman.  It was my privilege to manage the varsity baseball team for him as a freshman and to have him as my counselor.  As a senior, when I remained blissfully unaware of deadlines, I asked him to write a letter of recommendation to Northwestern on rather short notice.  It must have been a phenomenal letter.  

As a graduate of Northwestern, former military officer and retired teacher, I remain thankful to this day for the part he played in opening opportunities to me.

I salute you Sir!

(DHS Class of 1965)

I began teaching at DHS in 1975. Joe was a top-notch counselor who helped some of the most difficult students we had. He always wore a smile and had a kind word for everyone. I'm so happy he lived such a long life. He was truly a gentleman.

The Mercier clan always considered the Ostrander clan, especially "Mr. O and Mrs. O" part of our family.  They were always wonderfully supportive of all of us and a joy to have around.  It especially meant a great deal to me to have Jan come all the way to Colorado for my wedding.  They will always be a part of our very special memories growing up in our little neck of the woods off Duffy Lane! Love to you all!

He was my baseball coach in 1963 and 64. A wonderful man who greatly enjoyed our upsetting Highland Park in the 63 regional.  Quite a guy.
George Esplin

Dear Mr. Ostrander, When I lost my direction you were my compass.  When I wanted to give up you wouldn't let me. When I needed to let it all out you would listen.  You never judged me. You encouraged me. You were my inspiration and my only supporter.  I have always held you in the highest regard and respect.  Thank you for what you did and for who you are......Buck

Mr Ostrander played an important and meaningful role as counselor and teacher to me fifty years ago at Deerfield High School.   He did indeed touch countless lives!

I still have the college reference letter Mr. Ostrander wrote for me. I saved it because it was so beautifully written and made me feel so special. He must have had so many of us assigned to him, but he made me feel like I was the most important. RIP, Mr Ostrander -- you touched so many of us.

The best coach ever. Last time I saw him was at one of our class of 1964 reunions and he remembered me. A real class act. Dick Whiteside

I had the good fortune of being one Mr Ostrander's students at DHS.  He will always be remembers as an OUTSTANDING teacher who cared for his students.  My thoughts are with his family at this time.

Mr. Ostrander.  You were my high school counselor/teacher and later my friend.  You always showed true concern and joy when you asked me of my successes, and I believe that was true for all of your students.  You were one of the good ones - truly a life well led.  RIP, Sir.

Mr. Ostrander - you were my high school teacher/counselor and later my friend.  You always had a large concern for me and were genuinely thrilled for my successes.  Thanks for a job well done and a life well led.  You were one of the truly good ones.  RIP, Sir.

A life well lived. Peace be with you Mr. Ostrander.

As I look through the photos of the Ostrander family, I am reminded of how much the boys (Jim and John) respected their parents and what a positive influence "the O's" had on our family. Mom and Pop "O" as we called them, were loved by all of the Mercier kids. Joe was a wonderful, supportive individual who lived what he taught and raised two sons to do the same. Happy "homegoing" Joe,

To the Family of Elijah "Joe" Ostrander Jr:

From a brave warrior to a loving husband and father - only God knew that Joe would serve others in this way till the end. God gave him many years to fulfill these plans, and that he did. Thank you, Joe, for allowing me to serve you in return.

Although I am saddened by Joe's passing, I would like to share these words of hope and encouragement spoken by Jesus in John 17:24,

 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory..."

OBITUARY

Elijah "Joe" Ostrander Jr.

September 19, 1922 – November 17, 2015

Marsh Funeral Home

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