Raymond Ostrom

Ostrom, Raymond Gustav age 85 of Bloomington has joined his beloved wife Norma (d. 5-23-12) to carry on the partnership they enjoyed for 65 years. Ray had three loves in his life: his family, fishing and hunting. After proudly serving in the United States Coast Guard aboard the USS Sheliak during WWII, he followed his passions for fishing and hunting, and along with his wife Norma, they opened Ostrom's Marine and Sporting Goods in 1948. Always looking for ways to encourage his business, he started hosting Muskie Tournaments on Lake of the Woods. He introduced snowmobiles to the midwest. But it was his passion for fishing that led him to co-found The Rapala Company which evolved to become Normark Corporation. Through his contributions to the economy and culture of Finland, the Finnish Government awarded him Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Other recognitions and honors include induction into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame and the Normark Corporation Hall of Fame. While Ray was never a retiring type of guy, he left Normark Corporation to pursue his passions for fishing and hunting. He purchased the Lord Rapala, a houseboat on Lake of the Woods, intending to restore it. When it became evident that this was not possible, he had it dismantled and designed a new boat incorporating bits of the Lord Rapala into the hull. He named his new boat the NormaRay. The NormaRay was launched from the Port of Kenora in August, 1987 and docked on Cyclone Island in Lake of the Woods. He and Norma entertained family and friends there for 20 glorious years. Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Norma, parents, Esther and Gustav Ostrom, his brother, Reuben and his grandson, Joseph Craig Bundy. He is survived by his children, Cathy Ostrom Peters (Joe) and Kirk Ostrom; his grandchildren, Matthew (Angela), Katherine, Elizabeth, Rikki and Karlene as well as his 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Special love and thanks to Diane Croteau and Marlee Torrence of Encore Senior Home Care for their kindness, compassion and excellent care. Visitation from 5-7 PM, Fri., June 22nd at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th and Hwy 100, and also one hour prior to the service 10 AM Sat., June 23rd at Washburn- McReavy Edina Chapel. A memorial luncheon and celebration of Ray's life will follow at Bayview Events Center, 687 Excelsior Boulevard, Excelsior, MN, 11-2:30 PM. Raymond Ostrom was one-of-a-kind. His sense of humor-legendary, his zest for life-unexcelled, his creative imagination-boundless. Fiercely independent, he lived his life according to his own map; and, he lived it to the fullest. As the son of Swedish immigrant parents, Ray truly lived the American Dream. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Raymond Ostrom

June 20, 2012

Tributes

Raymond Ostrom

June 20, 2012

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