Ostendorf Vernon Alfred, 86, passed away after a brief illness January 16, 2002. Vern was born March 30, 1915, in Red Lake Falls, MN where he graduated from high school. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from Kansas State College, Hayes, Kansas. Vern married Genevieve Morgan Ostendorf July 14, 1940 and served in the United States Army in World War II, assigned to Italy. He was awarded many military honors, achieving the rank of Colonel. Vern and Gen first made their home in Walker, MN, later moving to Edina then Eden Prairie. They enjoyed their retirement in the Lake Mille Lacs area. Vern was an enthusiastic volunteer for the VFW, commander of his local post, a Shriner and expert hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Alfred Theodor Ostendorf and Elsabeth Marty Ostendorf; and beloved wife, Genevieve who passed on December 12, 2001. He is survived by his children, Charene Osberg, Wayzata, MN, Anita Speake (George), Lakeport, CA, Jean Hoag (Thomas), Phoenix, AZ, Bruce Ostendorf (Brenda), Jackson, WY; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and sister, Margaret Hukriede, Bemidji, MN. Funeral services will be at Light of the Cross, PO Box 353, Garrison, MN 56450 on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002 at 11 AM, visitation at 10 AM. Arr. by Koop Funeral Home, Crosby. Memorials may be sent to the church.