Obituary for Leona "Pat" Ostrander
Celebration of Life
Leona “Pat” E. Ostrander, 88 of Holmen passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2020 surrounded by her family at Gundersen Medical Center, La Crosse. She was born in Flint, Michigan on August 28, 1931 to Michael and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Maher. On January 21,1956 Pat married Lyle Ostrander and they celebrated 64 years of matrimony.
Pat grew up in Flint and Millington Michigan. She really enjoyed spending summers in Canada with her relatives.
She worked as a graphic artist for Michigan Bell, unknowingly rooming with her future sister-in- law Gloria Ostrander. Pat met Lyle at midnight mass while he was home on leave from the Air Force.
They dated for 4 years before being married in 1956. She continued full time employment at Michigan Bell while Lyle earned his degree from the University of Michigan. In 1960 they decided to start our family, after which she became a full time wife, mother, and homemaker. Mom was always there for us, every day after school. And every day of our life. She will be missed so much, words cannot express.
After living in Flint, Roseville, and Ann Arbor Michigan the family moved to Onalaska Wisconsin and then Holmen where they have spent the last 45 years at her beloved “Eigental”.
Pat always enjoyed life, gardening, riding their horses, spending time with friends and family. She was active in PEO, Town and Country Garden Club, Fauver Hill Study Club, and the Holmen Historical Society. She was a talented artist and left many pieces of her work for us to enjoy.
Pat is survived by her husband, Lyle; her children, Mike Ostrander, Kelley (Ostrander) Cooper. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Marcy Ostrander, and son-in-law, Richard Cooper, and grandchildren, David Deming (Miriam), Zach Ostrander (Robyn), and BreAnne Cooper; and great- grandchildren Margot and Max Deming, Piper Ostrander and Kensley “Leona” Cooper-Coffman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Michael James and Elizabeth Maher, and brother, James Maher.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LaCrosseCremation.com
Barb Hegenbarth
July 9, 2020 @ 6:34 am
Lyle,
I am so sorry to read of Pat’s death. Our deepest condolences. My first thought was to call Mom, but she already knows. I hope they find each other. God Bless, Barb and Dave Hegenbarth
Fred & Shirley Frick
July 9, 2020 @ 7:50 am
Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this challenging time. Lyle and Pat always served the community, thinking of what is best for the region. Their thoughts and ideas were always valued and appreciated. A true asset has been lost.
Doris Jessesski
July 9, 2020 @ 10:51 pm
We will miss you Pat. So sad. Didn’t even get to see you..You are in heaven now.
Marilyn & Norman Young
July 10, 2020 @ 2:23 pm
Dear Cousin Lye and the rest of the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
We always enjoyed the chats with Pat and you as well as our few visits with you at home and your visits to oakville. ON
Debbie Goddard
July 10, 2020 @ 8:19 pm
Uncle Lyle, Mike and Kelley,
I have wonderful memories of my godmother that I will cherish. She was a very special woman, who will be missed by so many here in Canada.
patricia niebuhr
July 10, 2020 @ 8:27 pm
Lyle ,
We were so saddened to read of Pats passing. I remember seeing you both at St. Pat’s church way back when. She was always such a gentle lady, and always smiled. Prayers and God Bless.
Ron and Pat Niebuhr
,
Mary
July 11, 2020 @ 10:26 am
You will be greatly missed. I lost my birthday buddy. Condolences from your Canadian family.
Mary, Sam, Tammy & Tim
Gary & Terry Foley
July 11, 2020 @ 11:34 am
Kelley, Rich and Lyle
We are so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. We have many fond memories of all of our times together and we’ll hold these memories close to our heart.
God Bless all of you and our prayers are with you!
Terry and Gary
Peter & Marie Tabor
July 11, 2020 @ 12:01 pm
Lyle and family:
Our prayer and sympathy are with you and the family. Pat was always a loving, gentle person who was willing to be involved
with family, community,and school. She will be missed.
Peter & Marie Tabor
Lynne and Keith Valiquette
July 11, 2020 @ 1:44 pm
It was our privilege to get to know Pat through the Holmen Area Historical Society. She was a lady of grace, intelligence, artistic vision, and lots of practical ways to improve our community. Our thoughts are with you, Lyle and Family. We are sending a memorial to the Holmen Area Historical Society in her honor. Lynne and Keith Valiquette
Nancy & Ken Proctor
July 11, 2020 @ 4:21 pm
Lyle: our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Pat was such a caring and giving person. May God keep her in the palm of his hand and his arm around your shoulder.
Carol Miller
July 13, 2020 @ 4:56 pm
I was lucky to get to know Pat through the Holmen Area Historical Society. She was so kind, graceful and generous. I am truly sorry that we have lost her. My thoughts are with you, Lyle, and your family.
Pamela & Tobin
July 14, 2020 @ 3:33 pm
Lyle: Pamela and I were saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. To lose a true love and life partner is something that no one is ready for. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Tobin & Pamela
Betty & Larry Ottesen
July 15, 2020 @ 2:40 pm
Lyle, deepest condolences. What a blessing to have known her. I was just remembering your involvement with an awesome event called The Carriage Classics and her love of horses. Rejoice in all the good the great memories you had together! Peace be with you. Larry & Betty