Wilfred Carl Ostmann, D.V.M.
Wilfred Carl Ostmann, D.V.M.
1945-2021
Wilfred Carl Ostmann, D.V.M., 76, Gerald, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Dr. Ostmann (a.k.a. Wil, Doc, Junior or Stuckie) was born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1945, in St. Charles to Lucille (Mintner) and Wilfred Henry Ostmann. He grew up on the family farm in Marthasville, and was graduated from Wright City High School in 1963. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1969. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army for two years during the Vietnam War, based primarily in Bangkok, Thailand. After returning to the United States, he became a partner in the Union Veterinary Clinic, and later became the sole owner. He sold his small-animal practice and retired in 2001. He was a Lutheran.
Dr. Ostmann was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Gibbs in 1976. The couple made their home in Franklin County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, as well as foraging for wild foods in season, especially morels. A spring meal of freshly caught crappie or trout, asparagus from the garden, and morels from the woods was one of his favorite seasonal menus. In the winter, he liked to crack and shell pecans and hickory nuts. He was known for his fish fries and also for his oatmeal-pecan-cranberry cookies, as well as for giving away vast quantities of produce from his garden.
Working with Quail Forever and the Missouri Department of Conservation, Dr. Ostmann became a dedicated proponent of native plants, habitat restoration and pollinator patches. He was justifiably proud when, after several years of timber stand improvement, prescribed burns and wildflower planting, his farm was named a Quail Habitat Management Area. He loved hearing quail call “bobwhite, bobwhite” when he stepped out the door.
Dr. Ostmann was a founding member and first treasurer of the East Central Prescribed Burn Association. A member of the American Legion post in Union, Dr. Ostmann and his hunting buddies liked to put on rabbit cooks and other wild game meals at the legion hall. He was a member of United Bowhunters of Missouri, International Field Archery Association (IFAA), Missouri Conservation Federation, Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association and other organizations.
He was a tournament archer, and won a gold medal in the Barebow Recurve category of the 2009 IFAA World Bowhunter Championships in Yankton, S.D., a gold in the 2007 National Senior Olympics in Louisville, Ky., and multiple state and regional competitions.
Dr. Ostmann is survived by his wife, Barbara Ostmann; one brother, Brian Ostmann, Bellflower; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Richard (Dickie) Ostmann, Michael Ostmann, Darlene Harris and Sharon Krause; and one niece, Michelle Ostmann.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Wednesday, December 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the American Legion (lower level) in Union, with Pastor Bryan Brand officiating. His cremains will be interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and at his wife’s family plot in Alpena, Arkansas, as well as sprinkled over the farm he so loved.
Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS – Lower Plains Region, 6811 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202) or the East Central Prescribed Burn Association (ECPBA, Attn: Mark Doerner, 6099 Rockridge Road, Gerald, MO 63037).
Cremation arrangements entrusted to St. Louis Cremation.
My most sincere condolences for your loss Barb. Will was a caring and environmentally compassionate human being.
Barb, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. What a well-matched couple that loved the beauty of the natural world.
Love, Prayers and Blessings, Barbara. Thinking of you, God Bless.
Wil was such an impressive man, Barb. I am sure you’re devastated at losing him. I am so, so sorry, friend. Sending you love and hugs.
What a wonderful person he was! I loved reading this story of the life of Dr. Wilfred Carl Ostmann, and thinking about how fully abs courageously and generously he lived his days in this world. His actions on behalf of the natural world and preservation, and his example of embracing the world will reverberate and keep making this place better. To his memory.
Barb, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The memories of your life together will comfort you when others cannot, we are proud to have known him. Darrell & Marjorie Taylor
Wil was a remarkable man, Barb. I never knew so much about him until I read the obit. Hope your memories help you during this sad time,
With love, Woody
Barb, I am so sorry to learn of Wil’s passing. He was one of my best friends in pre-veterinary studies and as a veterinary student. I was in the Air Force when he was in the Army and got to visit him and his Asian otter when he was in Bangkok during the Vietnam war. That was one of my best memories of being in the Service. For many years, we enjoyed talking to each other about veterinary cases when he was in practice. It was always fun to catch up with Wil and learn about what he was into at the time and whatever it was, it was interesting.
I’ll alway miss Wil, but remembering as one of the best friends I ever had will make me realize how lucky I was to know him.
Will was one of my best friends thru pre-vet and vet college. There was always something fun happening when Will was around. All of us who knew Will were blessed. Thank you for all the memories Will!
I am so sorry for your loss Barb. I met you long ago when you were debating whether to marry, and it was obviously a good choice, although I never actually met Wil in person! Reading his obituary allows a glimpse into the amazing partnership he shared with you and with our Creator by living in harmony with and caring for the earth and its creatures. Because of that, he lives on, not only in your heart but in his example and deeds. It may be a lonely journey ahead of you at times, but I know that you are strong and will persevere and continue to find joy in your life. Blessings.
Barb,
I am very sorry to learn of Wil’s passing. He taught me a great deal when I worked at Union Veterinary Clinic as a student (forty years ago — how did time pass so fast!) and I enjoyed seeing him at many MU Veterinary Reunions (I was in Class of 1979 and our classes had reunions in the same years). I still have some recipe cards that you gave me at a “going away party” the last summer that I worked in Union and I think of you both when I am going through my recipe file. I won’t be able to attend the celebration of his life however I will be thinking of you!
My heart breaks for you Barb. Doc was a man among men and impossible not to admire and look up to.
I have lasting memories from your salads & desserts and Wil’s fish frys. You are in my prayers. Condolences from Canada.
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I never got to meet your husband-I sure enjoyed his cookies when you brought them to the basket classes. I enjoyed reading about him. He sounds like someone you couldn’t help but like and admire. I wish I could have met him. I appreciate all he did for nature. He sounded like a cool person to just hang out with. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. The best way to honor him is to continue to do all things you did before-continue your traditions. Every time you hear the Bobwhite call in the spring he will be smiling and I hope you can too. Please take care of yourself-you are cared about and admired very much too. Sending you a hug.