Henry Roger Ostendorf

Henry Roger Ostendorf of Henderson, Nevada passed away on July 18, 2021 at the age of 84. Roger passed peacefully at 3:16 PM surrounded by his loving children, Roger Ostendorf and Clarissa Sacks, to return to his dearly beloved Margaret Sue Ostendorf and be with Christ together.

Roger was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska on June 7, 1937 to Ray E. Ostendorf and Dorothy Spencer Ostendorf. Here, Roger’s name is still steeped in local lore and history as a member of the All State Football team and a Golden Gloves Boxer.

After graduating high school, Roger made what he called the best decision of his life to join the United States Navy. Through his service to his country, he saw for the first time "water I couldn't see the other side of”, and so began his tenure where he would see the world and meet the love of his life, Margaret.

All who have spoken with Roger for more than 5 minutes have surely been regaled in their New Year’s Eve romance, where he swore he was going to marry "the most beautiful girl he had ever seen" and she uttered, "You better get lost, sailor!" Nevertheless, he persisted and they were married within the year.

Upon completing his service to his country, Roger began what would be his proudest accomplishment - being a devoted family man. He cared deeply for Margaret, and his two children, Roger and Clarissa. Nothing made him prouder than his family (though his long and storied 35-year career with JCPenney is a close second).

Roger actively participated in his children's lives as the “Indian Chief” for the YMCA father and son program (and would later form a chapter of the Indian Guides for Mothers and Sons of Boys without a Father). He went on to become the PTA president, and the Little League Coach to Roger, Clarissa, and later on, his grandson Jimmy.

In his retirement, Roger and Margaret were avid travelers and loved touting their world map with all of their destinations pinpointed for their guests to view. They went on over 40 cruises together and visited over 40 countries, which only goes to show that you can take a man out of the Navy but you cannot take the Navy out of the man.

When they were not traveling, Roger could either be found in his recliner rooting and hollering for the Cornhuskers (his other great love in life aside from Margaret) or with Margaret in their parish, St. Francis of Assisi in Henderson, NV, as well as St. Mary Immaculate in Carrollton, Texas. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and delivered communion to the homebound community. Moreover, he remained a very devoted grandparent with Margaret and together were the biggest fans of their grandchildren and their accomplishments.

His parents Ray E. Ostendorf and Dorothy Spencer Ostendorf and wife Margaret preceded Roger in death.

Roger is survived by his sister June Schmeckle; children Roger Ostendorf (Lori) and Clarissa Sacks (Hal); and grandchildren: Samantha Silcott, Shalynn Hammond (Paul), Jimmy Phillips, Roger Ostendorf, Dorothy Phillips, Kyleigh Ostendorf and Harrison Phillips; and great-grandchildren Ethan Davis and Zeph Armaz.