Edward G. Ostrowski

Ed Ostrowski lived life on his own terms. A man of many talents and abilities, it afforded him the opportunity to pursue the many things he loved and enjoyed. A hard working man, he was a good provider and found the greatest enjoyment spending time surrounded by those he loved. Although he could be stubborn, anyone could count on Ed to be focused to the task at hand and always punctual, traits he attributed to his upbringing and military training. Devoted to his faith, he served his church and enjoyed the friendships of many throughout his life, yet foremost in Ed’s heart was the family he loved and treasured. For these things and so much more, he will be dearly missed.

The year 1940 introduced many new forms of entertainment for all to enjoy. The sounds of Glenn Miller and Bing Crosby filled the airwaves while some of the best movies made their debut. With World War II well underway overseas, America’s involvement was inevitable, and the first peacetime draft was put into place. It allowed the U.S. to gear up for impending war which fueled the economy after years of repression during the Great Depression. Amidst these changing times in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, there was much to celebrate in the lives of William Peter and Maxine (Kelly) Ostrowski when on April 21, 1940, they welcomed their firstborn child into their hearts and home, a son they named Edward George Ostrowski.

The oldest of eventually three Ostrowski children, Ed was later joined by his two younger siblings, Mary and Patrick. His family made their home on Lane Avenue NW where Ed grew up among neighborhood friends. A young boy of his generation, he grew up in a home devout to their Catholic faith which continued throughout Ed’s life. They were longtime members of the Basilica of St. Adalbert just a few blocks from their home where as a youngster he received his early education from St. Adalbert Elementary and middle school. Ed went on to graduate from Catholic Central High with the Class of 1958.

Following high school, Ed joined the U.S. Air Force where he had a desire to be involved in working with and the maintenance of guns. Instead, he was assigned with the military police during Vietnam, having received his honorable discharge in 1963. Following the military, Ed returned home to Grand Rapids and began working for Yakes Office Supply.

It was while attending an office Christmas party when Ed met the young woman who would forever hold his heart, Marcia Stachowiak. The two dated for a time and on May 6, 1967, they were happily married at the Basilica of St. Adalbert. The newlyweds made their home in Comstock Park and before long they were blessed with the addition of four children, Mark, Ruth, Eileen and Linda. They eventually moved their family to a home on Lincoln Avenue NW in 1976 where they raised their family, enjoying and making numerous memories along the way. As a family they were active members of St. Adalbert where Ed was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and where he served as a Eucharistic minister for nearly 30 years.

Ed possessed a creative side and it was clearly evident in his longtime interest in firearms. He was a talented gunsmith and marksman, and thoroughly enjoyed making and loading his own bullets and then going out and shooting them with precision. He was a longtime member of the West Walker Sportsman’s Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Ed found much enjoyment listening to classical music whenever he was in his basement working on his ammunition and leather crafts. If you were in need of a new belt, wallet or purse, Ed was the person to call. He wasn't just good at it, he was a bit of a master.

In addition, Ed was an avid reader of Terry Johnston’s Western novels, and during the warmer months he found pleasure working in his garden and on his lawn. He did some fishing here and there, but when it came to food, he was pretty much a meat, potato and veggie kind of guy. Ed wasn’t much for talking at the dinner table and likened it to the military where they only had 15 minutes to eat. His breakfast of choice was usually a bagel with cream cheese, a bag of famous Amos cookies and a big glass of OJ. When it came to TV, he enjoyed watching the Lawrence Welk Show, and later in life he turned his attention to cooking shows. Of course, always by Ed’s side through the years were his beloved fur babies, Freckles, Shadow, Nana and Misty who Ed loved spending time with.

For many years, Ed played on a work bowling league at Creston Bowling Alley where he won the “Yakes Dirty Sock Award” on more than one occasion! A good, cold Pabst Blue Ribbon beer was his bowling drink of choice. Throughout the years, Ed and his family took in the sights around Michigan on day trips. He always liked attending the kid’s events when they were growing up, enjoyed the theater and attending sporting events.

Through his many adventures and experiences in life, Ed Ostrowski lived with ways all his own, on his own terms, and did so fully and completely. He had a quiet strength and his dedication to faith and family was at the center of his heart. A very talented man, Ed used his skills in his work, and for his leisure. Nothing brought him greater joy than treasured times spent with family and dear friends. Sadly missed, he will be forever remembered by all who knew him.

Edward George Ostrowski, age 81, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 19, 2022, at home with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Megan Ostrowski. Ed is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marcia; children, Mark (Rachel) Ostrowski, Ruth (Patrick) DeKorne, Eileen (Bill Landeck) Ostrowski and Linda (Gordon) Leys; grandchildren, Ryder, Sara, Angelina, Devin, Abigail and Nathaniel. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Douglass; brother, Patrick Ostrowski; sister-in-law, Julitta Stachowiak; and his nieces.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis Avenue NW. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 21, 2022, 5-7 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and for one hour prior to the Mass at church. Contributions in his memory may be made to Faith Hospice or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Ed and to sign his guestbook online.