Lawrence Lee Ostendorf, Sr., 80, passed away on April 26, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, Rapid City, South Dakota. He was born on June 1, 1941, to Cobus and Roberta (Kaylor) Ostendorf in Gothenburg, Nebraska.
After retiring from the Union Pacific Railroad as a Corridor Manager, Lawrence decided to obtain his real estate license, working most recently with Coldwell Banker Preferred Group. Lawrence was always seeking ways to serve, whether through being a member of numerous organizations, or by being elected as Ward 4 City Councilman. In his free time, he loved taking Sunday drives in his Corvette, traveling to the National Corvette Museum, attending Hot Summer Nights in Sioux Falls and the Black Hills Corvette Classic. Lawrence always had stories to tell but was also a great listener offering up good advice regardless of the situation. Lawrence always made every effort to be the first to wish his family members a “merry” birthday on their special day. His sense of humor and generous spirit will be missed.
Lawrence was proud to be called dad by Lawrence “Lee” Ostendorf, Jr., Gladstone, Missouri, Sheila (Rodney) Wolfe, Box Elder, South Dakota, and Cindy (Todd) Mescher, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandpa by Tony Ostendorf, Shannon (Dustin) Roberts, Jarrett Mescher and Easton Mescher, Kamron (Kristen Baugher) Gant, Greg Coble, and Mackenzie (Jay) Coble. He was delighted to be “greater grandpa” to Maci and Grace Roberts, Nyla Gant, and Braxton Coble.
Lawrence is survived by brothers, Darold (Judy Smith) Ostendorf, Ronald (Emma Hiatt) Ostendorf, Doug (Nan) Ostendorf, Leroy Ostendorf, Robert (JoAnn) Ostendorf; sisters, Darlene Underwood, Diane Kildare, Angie Ostendorf, Lois (Steve) Hinman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lawrence is also survived by special companion Laurie Vonderlage.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cobus Ostendorf; mother, Roberta (Ostendorf) Trimble; brother, Gene Ostendorf; stepfather, Lewis Trimble; brother-in-law, Tim Kildare; and nephews, Tim Kildare and Ryan Ostendorf.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Visitation will be at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from Noon to 7:00 PM, with family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at North Platte Cemetery. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.