Charles Richard “Dick” Ostby, 78, passed away during the evening hours of January 23, 2024. His family was by his side. He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, April 23, 1945, to Christian A. and Alice (Knopf) Ostby. On December 21, 1968, he married Gayle A. (Kramer) Ostby and she survives. Together, they created a loving home for themselves and their two children.
After high school graduation, Dick earned an Associate’s Degree in Electronics from Vincennes University and he served in the Indiana National Guard. Dick was an engineer for the Chessie System of the B & O Railroad and CSX Transportation, a position he held for forty years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus — 4th Degree of the Father Lawrence Vieck Assembly. Dick was a devoted family man and member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.
Dick was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping and boating – while teaching his two children to water ski. He was also an accomplished woodworker. All of his projects, big or small, revealed his perfectionist side. Those who knew him will tell you Dick was a loyal friend who always had a smile on his face and a toothpick in his mouth. They loved spending time with him chatting about the latest news and events.
Those who now mourn Dick’s passing include his wife of fifty-five years, Gayle Ostby of Washington; daughter, Heather (Abe) Galan of Lahaina, Hawaii; and son, Chuck (Crystal) Ostby of Washington. Dick was blessed with two grandchildren: Ashton Ostby and Alton Ostby; and leaves a brother, Christian A. (Carolyn) Ostby of Louisville, Kentucky. He is missed by a special nephew, Chris “Guy” Ostby; and his beloved feline companion, Oreo. Additionally, Dick leaves brothers-in-law, Mark and Billy Kramer of Leesburg, Georgia; and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Judy Kramer of Lafayette.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Alice Ostby; and a brother, David “Fuzz” Ostby.
Visitation for Charles Richard Ostby will be held 9:00-9:45 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 315 NE 3rd Street, Washington, Indiana.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Charles Richard Ostby, 10:00 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, also at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Father Paul Ferguson will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com.
The staff of the Ed Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with arrangements for Charles Richard Ostby.
