Gary Edward Ostrander

Gary E. Ostrander went to be with the Lord on December 8, 2025. Gary was born August 31,

1957, in South Bend to Reuben and Barbara Ostrander. He married Margaret A. Franks-
Stout on February 10, 1980, she survives. Gary is survived by one sister, Winifred Hensley of

Kentucky, two sons: Matthew Stout of Indianapolis and Brett Stout of Mishawaka and one
daughter Rebecca (Daniel) Gill of Elkhart, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and
many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister Kim.

Gary is a 1975 graduate of Jimtown High School; he entered the Marine Corp on 10/08/1975
with 6 of his classmates, they have remained close friends. During his time in the Marine
Corps, he was overseas and experienced other cultures. He received many
commendations that include Meritorious Mast, 2 Good Conduct Medals and a Rifle
Sharpshooter Badge. He also completed Clerical and Personal Admin courses before his
Honorable Discharge on 10/7/1979. After the Marine Corps, Gary was in the Reserves for 2
years. His first job after the Marine Corps was selling and repaired sewing machines for
Singer. Gary was a man that wore many hats. He was always striving to provide the best life
he could for his family. Some of the highlights were working for Indiana State Highway,
starting his own insurance agency and being an owner/operator for GEMA Trucking. No job
was too big or too small when it came to providing for the ones he loved.

Gary loved to hunt, fish, camp and look for mushrooms. He passed his love of these past
times to his children and often took them out with him. Summer vacations were spent in
Upper Michigan camping and enjoying time with his family. After the kids were grown, he
would take the grandchildren on vacations to Canada, Mackinaw Island, Lake Superior and
Georgia. Gary took his grandchildren to experience fine dining in a restaurant, five-star
hotels and the Opera in Chicago. Once in retirement he and Maggie traveled around the
country in their RV. In 2023 they traveled to France.

Gary was a hugger, if you received a hug from Gary, you never forgot it.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Edward Ostrander, please visit our floral store.