David "Dave" Eugene Ostrom Sr.

He was born June 15, 1945, to the late Norman and Doris Ostrom.

Dave is a veteran of the Vietnam War; he served honorably in the Navy as an Assult Boat Coxswain (1965-1969). Dave returned home to Michigan, where he worked at Buick, settled in Lapeer with his beautiful wife Carol, and continued to share his love of fishing, hunting, and camping with his family. Dave also had a passion for youth sports and enjoyed coaching his children and the neighborhood kids in flag football, baseball, and softball. As one of the first members of the Elba Little League, Dave spent 40 years at the Elba baseball/softball diamonds coaching two generations of ball players and cheering on his grandchildren. His legacy to build character and grow confidence through coaching continues with his grand and great-grandchildren.

Dave was most proud and honored to be called Papa and he was the best Papa to many, but the most amazing Papa to his grandchildren. It is with the grands that he was at his best and most content; where you found patience, love, encouragement, and joy. His eyes would light up with every smile, giggle, and snuggle and he was wrapped around their tiny fingers from the start. It was only the grandkids that could change the tv channel from politics to Sponge Bob or Peppa Pig, and as the grands got older, he enjoyed sharing life stories and passing on his (sometimes appropriate) "isms".

Dave and Carol moved to North Carolina 11 years ago to be with their daughter’s growing family, and as always, they shared their hearts with so many others. Finding purpose with helping other military families that were far away from home and with arms open caring for their children. Dave also enjoyed the beach and found peace soaking in the sun and listening to the waves with his most adored wife. The two also shared their talents, with Dave's woodworking and Carol's artistic abilities, creating many beautiful projects together through the years.

Dave leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Carol Ann Ostrom; sons, David Ostrom Jr. and wife, Kimberly, and Robert Ostrom and wife, Laura; daughter, Sara O'Briant and husband, Jason; grandchildren, Zachary, Randy, CJ (Morgan), Dominic, Cierra, Heidi, Torrance, and Tayla; great-grandchildren, Crew, Sloane, and Nash; sister, Nancy Tappen and husband, Jim; his sweet fur baby, Charlie; and many loving family members and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Roseanne Bierd.

Dave may have left the physical world, but he also left a footprint on all that knew him. He will be deeply missed by many.

A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Latitude Church.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of David "Dave" Eugene Ostrom Sr. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Ostrom family.