Charles V. Ostrom

Charles V. Ostrom, Age 84, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Charlie and his wife, Debbi Horikawa, moved to Waterford, Michigan in 2000 where they were able to fulfill Deb's wish to live on water for a few years and enjoyed it so much that they never moved. 

Charlie worked as a designing engineer for Fisher Body Die Engineering for many years where he formed many lifelong friendships. While working there, he thoroughly enjoyed all the after-work and weekend activities including softball, golfing, bowling, water sports, and downhill skiing. He had the best of times with the Michigan Bell Ski Club and other groups, and the stories of those times have provided endless entertainment. He also enjoyed spending time at the cottage that he built with two friends in Boyne City where he created many wonderful friendships and memories. 

Around 15 years ago, Charlie joined the Oakland County Sportsman's Club. It became like a 2nd home where he spent many hours volunteering and working on different projects including the fish fry, haunted forest, concession stand and others. Charlie had a passion for fun and life and had a great time no matter what he was doing. He especially enjoyed the times after volunteering or any activity when he could relax with a drink or two and play Euchre.

Charlie continued to downhill ski and play softball until he was 80 and always lived life to the fullest. He traveled around the world and the US and was able to experience more than most do in their lifetime. After Debbi retired, the two of them headed to the Florida Keys and other places in the south during the winter months to enjoy time in the sun and then would drive onto Durango, Colorado to ski and volunteer at Purgatory Ski Resort. 

Charlie is survived by his wife, his sister, Beverly (Michael Braye) Ostrom-Braye, many nieces and nephews (both actual and honorary) and his mother-in-law, Kikue Horikawa.  He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Barbara Ostrom and sisters Doris Loll and Marie Hughes.

On Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 1pm-4pm at the Oakland County Sportsman's Club 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston, MI 48346, there will be a Celebration of Life to remember Charlie and a time to share some of the stories of his adventures with others. The gathering will start at 1:30pm. As Charlie would want, attire will be very casual. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to The Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center in Charlie’s memory. Please complete the Scleroderma Center Online Giving Form (https://secure.jhu.edu/form/scleroderma) or make a check payable to Johns Hopkins University, designating The Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center in memory of Charlie Ostrom in the memo. Please mail donations to: Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Attn: Department of Medicine PO Box 49143  Baltimore MD 21297-9143

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