Gladys L. Ostrem

Gladys Lorraine Ostrem, age 86, of Mill Valley, CA and formerly of rural Viroqua, WI died on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Gladys Lorraine Ostrem, age 86, of Mill Valley, CA and formerly of rural Viroqua, WI died on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Gladys was born September 2, 1920 in Viroqua to Gunnar and Louise (Tollackson) Vikemyr. Her mother, Louise, died at an early age leaving the family with eight young children, seven of whom were younger than Gladys. At age 14 Gladys left school and became head of the family household caring for her younger brothers and sisters. The strength and love she displayed at such a young age became a natural part of her character, which she carried with her the rest of her life. She later finished school by pursuing her studies at home. In 1944 she married Clarence Ostrem and lived on a farm in rural Viroqua, and actively participated in the day to day activities of farm life. She was an avid gardener who saw beauty in her roses as well as in the world around her. She was a life-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Viroqua. Gladys centered her life around God and was active in church activities, including teaching Sunday School. Throughout her life she accumulated a large group of friends, many of whom became regular visitors at her home. After Clarence died in 1993, she moved to Mill Valley, CA to live the rest of her life with her son Roger. Her days in Mill Valley were filled with peace and contentment and she lived out the balance of her life in happiness. Gladys had a kind, gentle and loving spirit and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Gladys is survived by her son, Roger Ostrem of Mill Valley, CA; stepson Chester (Marlene) Ostrem of Viroqua; sister Wanda Binkele of LaCrosse; brother-in-law Anthony Gartner of LaCrosse; two sisters-in-law, Pat and Betty Vikemyr both of Viroqua; five grandchildren by marriage: Craig (Julie) Ostrem, Lisa (Alan) Dutton, Stephanie (Phillip) Neprud, Brent (Sharon) Olson and Brenda (Eric) Lind, granddaughter-in-law, Susan (Don) Carlson and several cousins and great-grandchildren by marriage. In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her stepmother, Ruth Vikemyr, six brothers and sisters: Philip, Odean and Maynard Vikemyr, baby Dorothy Vikemyr, Ona Gartner, and Beverly Ellis; two step-children, Norma Olson and Arnold Ostrem; one grandson, Randy Olson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church rural Viroqua. Pastor Lori Kleppe will officiate with burial in the Bethel Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday at the church after l0:00 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.