Kenneth Ozzie Ostlund, 79, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Monday, May 2, 2011 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by some of those who love him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Evangelical Free Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Bruce Fisher officiating. Burial will be held at the Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Thursday at the church.

Kenneth Paul Ostlund was born in Roseau County, MN on July 28, 1931, the third of ten children born to John and Anna (Myers) Ostlund. On April 6, 1952, Ozzie was baptized into the Christian faith while living in Fairbault, MN.

Ozzie also lived in Lake Bronson, MN at Vagle Boarding Home, in Karlstad, MN at Valley Group Home; and in 1982, he moved to Thief River Falls, MN where he has since resided at Johnsons Riverside.

While living in Thief River Falls, Ozzie worked at the O.D.C. where he enjoyed many jobs. Instead of retiring, Ozzie wanted to continue working at the O.D.C. in the Rec & Leisure Room. He enjoyed visiting with his staff and peers and being among those who love him; and he also loved the numerous activities and meals that he participated in.

In his free time, Ozzie enjoyed attending services at the Evangelical Free Church with Papa Bruce . When he was unable to attend, Papa Bruce would give him recordings of the services to enjoy. Ozzie was a very social person. He especially enjoyed attending Johnsons Riverside Family Friendship Picnics and Christmas parties, and the annual Halloween parties in Argyle, MN.

In his earlier years, Ozzie liked bike riding, fishing, pontoon rides, 4-wheeler rides, watching TV and sporting events. More recently he enjoyed listening to music, dancing, jigsaw puzzles, looking through his family photo album, and going out to eat.

For the past 29 years while Ozzie resided at Johnsons Riverside, he was truly blessed to have loving and caring staff, friends and family; and the staff, friends and family were truly blessed to have Ozzie. You know many people had a special place in his heart if he called them mama or papa . He definitely has a special place in a lot of peoples hearts.

Ozzie is survived by one brother, Lawrence Larry Ostlund of Fosston, MN, and the loving and caring staff, friends and family at the O.D.C. and Johnsons Riverside.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Wilfred, Lorraine, Phillip, Earl, Bernice, Donald, Iona and Rodney.

Accompanist: Karen Sich
Special Music: Sarah Dahlin & Michelle Westerman Ill Fly Away accompanied by Chris Hultgren
Special Music: Randy Pederson " medley: Jesus Loves Me , The Old Rugged Cross , In The Garden , Great Is Thy Faithfulness & Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Congregational Hymns: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross & How Great Thou Art
Casketbearers: Paul Johnson, Melanie Johnson-Haase, Michelle Westerman, Larry Ostlund, Todd Johnson-Haase, Caryl Reed
Honorary Casketbearers: Staff & Residents at Johnsons Riverside