Keith Ostrander

Keith Eugene Ostrander of Harlingen, TX, passed away on August 31, 2023, at age 91. Keith was born on June 25, 1932, to Scott and Ruby Ostrander at their home in Fayette County, IA. He was the first of three sons. Keith went to school in Fayette and Randalia, IA, graduating in May, 1949. He then enrolled at Upper Iowa University. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Quass, on August 10, 1952. Keith graduated from Upper Iowa University in May, 1953 with a degree in Business and History with a Upper School teaching certificate.

In September, 1953, he enlisted in the officer candidate school in Quantico, VA, in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal. After being honorably discharged as a Second Lieutenant, Keith went to work for Sears & Roebuck in Waterloo, IA managing the boys clothing department.

In 1956, he began working for Prudential Insurance Company of America as an insurance agent. He was promoted to sales manager in Winona, MN, and in 1959 his staff of agents received three Presidential citations for being in the top 500 agencies in the U.S. He was promoted again to Training Consultant in 1962, moving to Minneapolis, MN. In 1964, Keith and his growing family moved back to Winona, MN when he was promoted to District Manager. He was District Manager in Eau Claire, WI and Duluth, MN, where he led his offices to multiple citations. In 1989, the Duluth office won the Presidential Citation, ranking #34 in the U.S.

After 39 years at Prudential, Keith retired and spent happy years motor-homing across America, finally settling in Harlingen, TX. Upon the death of his wife, Dorothy, he later met and married Phyllis Waters. They enjoyed being active in The Gideons International, and Keith frequently spoke at local churches to raise money to put the Word of God in hotels, hospitals, and schools.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Dorothy; his daughter-in-law Jenifer Ostrander; his daughter-in-law Sonia Ostrander; and his son-in-law, Jerry Rufe.

Keith is survived by his wife Phyllis Waters Ostrander. He has two brothers and sisters-in-law: Paul and Janice Ostrander, and Robert and Verna Ostrander. Keith and his wife Dorothy had two sons and two daughters: Wade and Helen Ostrander; Todd Ostrander; Valerie Rufe; and Andrea and Michael Thoenes. His 11 grandchildren and their spouses are: Lindsay Cook; Daniel and Laurie Ostrander, Adriaan Ostrander; Alex and Rachel Ostrander; Aaron and Helen Ostrander; Jillian and Chris Walker; Jake and Angela Rufe; Maja and Austin Patchin; Kate and Aaron Zeigler; Ethan and Kelly Thoenes, and Theodor Thoenes. Keith has seven great-grandchildren: Serina Smith, Sophie Cook, James Cook, Lila Ostrander, Clay Ostrander, Zachary Ostrander, and Zion Rufe.

Keith loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and serving others with his intelligence and leadership skills. He was a faithful church member, avid bridge player, and community leader. He will be remembered and missed by his family and many friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Ostrander family.