Thad spent his younger years in Venezuela, South America. At the age of 12, he moved up to Texas, USA to attend the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, graduating in 1987 on the Dean's List. Thad then moved to Michigan to play football for Eastern Michigan University. After college, Thad joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served. He was part of the B-Company 124. Thad served in Operation Desert Storm, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and honorably discharged after eleven years of service. He remained a proud Marine throughout his life and truly lived by the brotherhood of the Marine Corp. He has maintained a strong relationship with many of the brothers he served with.
Thad worked for the State of Michigan in the Department of Corrections since 1994, up to his passing.
Thad lived the bachelor life until finding "the girl next door", fell madly in love at first sight and he knew immediately his bachelor days were over. He found the girl of his dreams and built a life with her and their kids. They recently purchased a new home together and was looking forward to making it their own to spend his retirement being the best husband and father. Katy and Thad recently got their only "child" together, Gunny, who was in the midst of training to be a pheasant hunting dog. Katy truly was what Thad loved most in his life. You could see the infectious love he had for her all over his face. He truly treated her like she was his Queen. Each and every weekend, they would be enjoying the most time together as possible. Traveling to new places to make memories as a family and a newly married couple. Thad also taught Katy her love for hunting and boating. There wasn't anything in life that he enjoyed alone, he always wanted his Katherine by his side.
Thad was a jokester and loved to get people going. He definitely dished out as much as he took. He was an avid sports fan and athlete. He played recreational softball all summer long on multiple leagues, both in the Lansing area and Houghton Lake. He was God, Family and Country through and through. During the summer you could find him on his boat, from sunup to sundown. Fishing, and enjoying his favorite place in the world, Higgins Lake with his loving wife, Katy and friends who were more like family. He served as President on the Board at CCCOA at Higgins Lake. He was a committed fan of Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines. Thad was a card shark, as well. From euchre tournaments to cribbage in the break room, you could always find him with a deck of cards nearby.
Surviving are his wife, Katherine; daughters, Shelby and Miranda Ostrewich; step-sons, Jack and Max Pereida; his mother, Elsa; sisters, Maris Stella and Lillian (John) Brackney; special nephew, Johnny; and many nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ted Ostrewich.
Thad was loved by many for his infectious love for life and he will be sorely missed.
A celebration of Life will be held for Thad at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 East Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 on Saturday, October 23rd at 1:00 PM with a time for visitation starting at 11:00 AM. There will also be a time during the service to share memories of Thad, from those who loved him. The family invites those who are unable to attend the service in-person to join the live broadcast of the service at the following link: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/62290
At the request of the family, masks are required for the visitation and the service.
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