Ardene Harlan Ostrem

Ardene Harlan Ostrem, age 94, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, September 15, 2024. He was a resident of Bethel Oaks Memory Care in Viroqua. He was born on November 4, 1929, in Viroqua to Arthur and Hilda (Thompson) Ostrem. He graduated from Viroqua High School with the class of 1947. Ardene married Harriet Raaum in 1951. They spent 63 years together sharing life’s challenges, joys, and adventures. Together they raised two sons (Phillip Ardene and Daniel Evan) and two daughters, (Kathleen Marie and Tina Marie). They also tragically lost a daughter (Corrine Harriet), who only survived one day.

Ardene enjoyed his perennial and vegetable gardens, bowling, golfing, was active with the Viroqua Area Men’s Chorus, and the Men at Work group at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was also a long-term active member of the Viroqua Lion’s Club. As a young married couple, Ardene and Harriet were members of Bethel Lutheran Church (Ardene’s family church) prior to joining Good Shepherd. He loved playing cards, a challenging jigsaw puzzle and family games. He and his family raised tobacco on his parent’s farm for several years. The majority of his career was spent with National Cash Register (NCR) both in Viroqua and New Hampshire. During their 8 years in New Hampshire, Ardene and Harriet made many lifelong friends and enjoyed a very active social life. They returned to Viroqua to be closer to family.

Survivors include his children, Phil Ostrem of La Crosse, Kathy Loefflad and her husband Don of Viroqua, Dan Ostrem and his wife Susie of Virginia Beach, VA, Tina Clements and her husband Ron of Huntersville, NC; his grandchildren, Jason Ostrem, Kyle (Erica) Buros, Brett (Leonie) Ostrem, Tracy (Jason) Trahan, Lindsay (Nick) Berger, Sacsha (Mike Hennessey) Bailey, Morgan (David) Winch; his great-grandchildren, Israel Ostrem, Dalton Buros, Mari Buros, Naia Buros, Sawyer Trahan, Blake Berger, and Annika Hennessey; his brother-in-law Marion Clark; his sister-in-law, Catherine Ostrem; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Ardene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Harriet; infant daughter, Corrine Harriet; and his siblings, Lorraine, Deloris, LaVerne, Eunice, Charles and Ruth Ann.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Friends may also call the hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held following the service. Ardene will be laid to rest at the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery fund, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, or St. Croix Hospice. Click here for a secure link to give online memorials.

We hope he enjoys an occasional hole in one and know what bowling a 300 game feels like. Happy trails Dad.

Ardene’s family would like to thank the staff members at Maplewood Terrace Assisted Living, Bethel Oaks and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Ardene's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100