Francis "Fritz" Richard Ostdiek

Francis R. “Fritz” Ostdiek, Ph.D., age 90, passed peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Miami Valley South Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. The seventh child of Henry and Dora Ostdiek, Fritz was born March 1, 1935, on the plains of South-Central Nebraska during the Great Depression and devastating Dust Bowl. As an infant he was protected during the choking dust storms by damp sheets covering his crib, allowing him to grow into childhood on the family farm. There he learned the value of hard work as he toiled on the land, creative problem solving as he repaired machines, and teamwork as he helped his dad and brothers in carpentry. All of these talents were put to use in his adult years as an engineer.

Along with a strong work ethic, he also developed a wonderful sense of adventure as a child. On the incline of the railroad tracks running through the midst of their undulating farm prairie pasture, he and his brothers experimented with things which might stop the daily freight train. They finally succeeded when they used their mom’s homemade lye soap on the rails. The amazing feat frightened them, sending them running for home, escaping blame until now.

Fritz’s work ethic and joy of experimentation led to his successes in education, career, and hobbies. Excelling in his studies in rural schools, he was also an All-State center on their State Champion 6-man football team. From there he enrolled in the University of Nebraska on a scholarship, also serving there in the ROTC. Graduating with an M.S. in mechanical engineering, he then served as a Lieutenant in the USAF at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. There he met Rita DeBrosse, his lifelong love; they were married September 10, 1966. His mother told him that “God is in His Heaven and there are good people all over His earth,” and in his work and travels he always found that was true, especially in meeting Rita just days after moving from Nebraska to Dayton. To this union were born three children: Kurt, and twins Greg and Gary.

After his military service he distinguished himself as a civil servant aerospace research engineer at WPAFB for over 30 years, including serving as Branch Chief and leading the team that brought the Compressor Research Facility online, forming a key capability for our country. In 1975 he earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering from Ohio State University. After retirement from civil service, he taught mechanical engineering for 12 years at the University of Dayton.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Fritz coached youth soccer teams, organized epic family reunions, and showed a deep interest in the lives of his nephews and nieces, challenging them to keep growing and learning. A man of faith, Fritz was active in his church and enjoyed singing in the choir. He relished spending time with his and Rita’s large extended families and with their many friends. A top-notch woodworker, Fritz created beautiful furniture pieces that adorn his families’ homes. He also enjoyed reading, travel, and following University of Nebraska football. Fritz was a brilliant man who had a gift for describing complex topics in simple terms, leaving the listener in awe, but not belittled. He challenged us to be better than we are, but at the same time loved us just as we are.

Fritz was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53 years, Rita (DeBrosse) Ostdiek; parents Henry and Dora Ostdiek; brothers Fr. John, Art; sisters Mildred Herz, Sr. Lenore; brothers-in-law Ralph Herz, Lawrence Conway, George Schneider, Tom Bricher, Charlie LaVielle, Jacque Frantz, Carl DeBrosse, Lowell “Pete” Cooley; sisters-in-law Janet Ostdiek, Helen LaVielle, Ruth (Debrosse) Gale, Sr. Jeanette DeBrosse, Evelyn August. He is survived by children Kurt, Fr. Gregory, S.J., Gary (Shelley); grandchildren Ben, Luke, Lee, Kipling; brothers Arnold “Hank”, Fr. Gilbert; sisters Anita Conway, Jovita Schneider, Lou Bricher; brother-in-law Don August; sisters-in-law Bonnie, Betty DeBrosse, Adele Cooley; many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday March 14, 2025, at St. Luke Church, Beavercreek, OH; 10:00 visitation, 11:00 funeral mass, and 12:00 luncheon. In lieu of flowers Fritz requested that donations be sent to either Lawrence Community Center Drive, PO Box 62, Lawrence, NE 68957; or Restore the Heart, Sacred Heart Church, PO Box 247, Lawrence, NE 68957.