Gerald "Jerry" Ostensoe
d. August 29, 2022
Jerry Ostensoe, age 71, of Granite Falls passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022, at his home with family at his side after a long struggle with ALS. Memorial services will take place Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Granite Falls Lutheran Church. A celebration of Jerry’s life will continue at the Granite Falls American Legion, following the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Gerald “Jerry” David Ostensoe was born on April 16, 1951, in Canby, the son of Frederick and Phyllis (Mattlin) Ostensoe. He was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Canby. In 1960, the family moved to Granite Falls. Jerry was confirmed at the Granite Falls Lutheran Church. He graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1969 and was president of his senior class. Jerry furthered his education at St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota, and Southwest Minnesota State University.
Jerry loved the romance of the railroads and found his niche working for them, first for the Milwaukee Road and then for many years for Burlington Northern (later BNSF) Railroad. Jerry’s homeplace for much of his adult life was along the railroad at Minnesota Falls and was his haven, fondly known as “Lynzier.” After leaving the railroad, Jerry drove the Heartland Express Bus for Granite Falls.
Jerry met Deborah Fossan when they were young but as life sometimes goes, their paths separated with some curves and then joined again. On January 28, 2019 Jerry and Debbie were united in marriage.
Jerry’s legacy will be his love of, and contribution he made, with his music. He was a founder and longtime member of the Good Time Rail Road Band and later was the founder and lead singer of The Strollers, and also sang and played guitar with many other area musicians. Jerry leaves us with many recordings and 100s of songs that he wrote. He was a talented guitar player and also played harmonica and banjo and many other string instruments. Jerry performed at hundreds of venues in our region and loved attending and performing at music festivals. He was the self-proclaimed “Lawrence Welk of the Blues”. He also taught song writing at YME schools and with the Granite Area Arts Council.
Jerry loved traveling, especially “out west” where he enjoyed the wide-open spaces and entertaining and storytelling with music, although he was not one to seek being the center of attention. He perfected being in the background while working to make the world a better place to be. He will be affectionately remembered not only for his denim shirts but also for his gentleness, his thoughtfulness and being a friend to all.
Jerry was community-minded, serving on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Project Development, Inc. of Duluth, and Valley Promotions (Riverview Apartments) in Granite Falls and he was also a member of CURE.
Jerry is survived by his wife Debbie Fossan of Granite Falls, stepchildren Adam (Nicole) Hagen of Lino Lakes, Alicia Fjermestad of Granite Falls, Patrice (Steven) Johnson of Granite Falls; grandchildren Santino Hagen, Jaxson Hagen, Caleb Hagen, Abel Chaparro, Naveah Chaparro, Gage Johnson, and Amelia Johnson; several cousins and other relatives as well as numerous close friends who are considered family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Phyllis and his brother Ken.
Gerald “Jerry” David Ostensoe was born on April 16, 1951, in Canby, the son of Frederick and Phyllis (Mattlin) Ostensoe. He was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Canby. In 1960, the family moved to Granite Falls. Jerry was confirmed at the Granite Falls Lutheran Church. He graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1969 and was president of his senior class. Jerry furthered his education at St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota, and Southwest Minnesota State University.
Jerry loved the romance of the railroads and found his niche working for them, first for the Milwaukee Road and then for many years for Burlington Northern (later BNSF) Railroad. Jerry’s homeplace for much of his adult life was along the railroad at Minnesota Falls and was his haven, fondly known as “Lynzier.” After leaving the railroad, Jerry drove the Heartland Express Bus for Granite Falls.
Jerry met Deborah Fossan when they were young but as life sometimes goes, their paths separated with some curves and then joined again. On January 28, 2019 Jerry and Debbie were united in marriage.
Jerry’s legacy will be his love of, and contribution he made, with his music. He was a founder and longtime member of the Good Time Rail Road Band and later was the founder and lead singer of The Strollers, and also sang and played guitar with many other area musicians. Jerry leaves us with many recordings and 100s of songs that he wrote. He was a talented guitar player and also played harmonica and banjo and many other string instruments. Jerry performed at hundreds of venues in our region and loved attending and performing at music festivals. He was the self-proclaimed “Lawrence Welk of the Blues”. He also taught song writing at YME schools and with the Granite Area Arts Council.
Jerry loved traveling, especially “out west” where he enjoyed the wide-open spaces and entertaining and storytelling with music, although he was not one to seek being the center of attention. He perfected being in the background while working to make the world a better place to be. He will be affectionately remembered not only for his denim shirts but also for his gentleness, his thoughtfulness and being a friend to all.
Jerry was community-minded, serving on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Project Development, Inc. of Duluth, and Valley Promotions (Riverview Apartments) in Granite Falls and he was also a member of CURE.
Jerry is survived by his wife Debbie Fossan of Granite Falls, stepchildren Adam (Nicole) Hagen of Lino Lakes, Alicia Fjermestad of Granite Falls, Patrice (Steven) Johnson of Granite Falls; grandchildren Santino Hagen, Jaxson Hagen, Caleb Hagen, Abel Chaparro, Naveah Chaparro, Gage Johnson, and Amelia Johnson; several cousins and other relatives as well as numerous close friends who are considered family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Phyllis and his brother Ken.
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