Obituary for Donald Eugene Ostercamp

Donald Ostercamp, 89, of Champlin, Minnesota, died peacefully on November 7, 2023. He was born in Garner, Iowa in 1934 to Ruth and Otto Ostercamp. He graduated from high school in Sheldon, IA in 1951 before attending Waldorf Junior College where he played football and earned his AA degree. He then went on to attend St. Olaf University; ultimately graduated with a BA focused in social studies in 1955 from Luther College, in Decorah Iowa. He later earned a BA in education from Macalester College and his Master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

In 1957 Don enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Sheldon Illinois. He served in New York and Munich, Germany. He transferred to US Army Reserves in 1961, and he served at various bases throughout the country.

He started his teaching career in 1961 at Zumbrota High School, followed by St. Paul Park, Richfield High School, and spent most of his years teaching English in the Robbinsdale School District where he retired in 1992.

Don was a clever man with a great sense of humor. He had a witty comeback or saying for any question or situation. He was always generous and never expected anything in return. He would buy road crews cold packs of pop, hand out candy bars and silver dollars to people he met.

Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, traveling, playing with his dogs, tending to his large yard, being with friends, and loving his family. He hated to see anyone suffer, and would shoulder all their problems. He had a big heart and cared so much for those in his life.

He is preceded in death by his brother (Daryl Ostercamp) and sister (Betty Cavanaugh). He is survived by his wife of 59 years Genevieve Ostercamp, Champlin, MN, as well as his four children, Gretchen Reinholz, Ramsey, MN; Jon (Allison) Ostercamp, Dayton, MN; Kirsten (Dan) Schaenzer, Rogers, MN; and Melissa (Erik) Heinen, Mpls, MN; and his 10 grandchildren.

Memorial service Friday, November 17, at 11 AM at Maple Grove Lutheran Church, 9251 Elm Creek Boulevard, N, Maple Grove. Visitation 1 hour prior to service at church. the service will be live streamed at:

https://boxcast.tv/view/don-ostercamp-celebration-...

Donations to a charity your choice is appreciated.