Fred Ostermann

Fred Ostermann

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Fred.  Frederick Joseph Ostermann passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, at the age of 87 at his home, as he wished, in Little Britain, Manitoba.   He was born on June 17, 1938, in Winnipeg to Maria and Joseph.

Fred was born and lived in Little Britain, near Lockport, on the family farm just off Ostermann Road. He was the eldest of seven busy children. He attended schools in Cloverdale and St. Paul’s High School, where he left early to come home and work.  His dedication helped grow the farm with his brothers Helmut and Norm, with dairy, beef, and grain crops.  He spent many mornings with his brothers having coffee and toast and talking about events.  He was pleased when his son, John, and nephew Clarke took over the farm. He loved hearing about what was going on each day.  Whenever possible, he would be there from sunrise to sundown, even when he was wanted at home. In addition to his dedication to the farm he drove a school bus for 22 years.   

He met the love of his life at a dance at the German club.  Fred and Marianne married on October 16, 1969. Together they built a home in Lockport where they raised a family. They created a loving home and Fred’s ability to grow things allowed the yard and garden to flourish.   They enjoyed many summer days at the lake in Spruce Sands, and made wonderful memories on family vacations to Europe, Israel, Banff, Lake Louise, the Dakotas, Florida, Arizona, the Bahamas, and more.

Fred greatly enjoyed curling, playing cards, doing puzzles, and more recently becoming a Wordle expert. He spent countless hours working in his yard and caring for his trees which was a labour of love for him. He liked to make apple sauce, chop wood, feed the birds, and fix things in his garage. He had several pet dogs and a special bond with Rockford, who was always nearby and would ride in the passenger seat with his nose out the window as they drove. Fred attended Little Britain community events, such as Schützenfest, and was a devout member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church.

Fred will be deeply missed by family and friends including his wife of 55 years, Marianne; daughter, Jaclyn (Scott), Darian, Noah and Alina, sons, John (Kristina), Aiden, Jude, and Isabel and David (Sheri); siblings Hilda, Hubert (Carmen), Al (Thea), Margaret, Helmut,  and in-laws, Diane,  Bernie, Rena, John, Georgette and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Fred was a loving and kind husband, father and grandfather. He was hard working and generous.  He had a gentle but determined way. He handled health issues with strength and grace. He is predeceased by his parents Maria and Joseph, nephew Kurt, in-laws Tina and Dieter, and recently his brother Norm.  

We would like to sincerely than the Selkirk Palliative-Home Care Team for their kindness, care and support, allowing Fred to remain in the comfort of his home. 

Prayer service will be on September 12th, 2025, at 7 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be on September 13th at 10:30 a.m. Both will be held at St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church at 103 Little Britain Road.

In lieu of flowers, Prayer Intentions and donations to The Little Britain Community Foundation in Fred’s memory are appreciated. Little Britain Community Foundation, 31 Cedar St. St. Andrew’s, MB R1A 3G4

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