Obituary of Joe Ostraas

Albert (Joe) Ostraas

February 22, 1937 – November 5, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Albert (Joe) Ostraas who passed away in Cranbrook on November 5, 2019 at the age of 83 years old. Joe was born in Lumby, British Columbia on February 22, 1936 to Emil and Mable Ostraas. Joe had a successful career as a conservation officer and fish culturist at the Bull River Trout Hatchery where he worked for 29 years. Joe was an avid sportsman, participating in fastball (a renowned pitcher for the Rutland Rovers), boxing, roping, trap shooting, and other activities. In later years Joe enjoyed golfing. He was also an avid outdoorsman and spent many years hunting, guiding and camp-cooking in the East Kootenays. Joe was cherished by his family and well known by many community members as a good and kind man, often helping his friends and neighbors when in need.

Joe is survived by his spouse Merle Anderson, stepdaughter Sara Lancaster (Brian Storzuk), grandchildren Evan and Paige Storzuk, brother Ray Ostraas, sister-in-law Kathy Chaputs, brother-in-law Dave Henley,  sister-in-law Maxine (Bill) Todhunter, along with many nieces, nephews.

Joe is pre-deceased by his parents, sisters Helen Chaputs, Clara Ostraas, Mable Henley, brothers Wallace Chaputs and Eddie Chaputs, sister-in-laws Lorraine Ostraas and Rita Chaputs, and first wife Alice Ostraas (nee Sawka).

The family would like to express their appreciation for all the kind friends and family who called and visited with Joe as his health began to limit his mobility. Joe always enjoyed these times.

Per Joe’s wishes, no memorial service is planned.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

For those wishing to make a memorial donation, it would be appreciated if this were directed to the Kidney Foundation of Canada https://donatecar.ca/org/donate or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. https://hsf.donorportal.ca/Donation/