Dad was born in Clarkston, Wash. He grew up and attended schools in the Clarkston/Asotin area.

Wally was our beloved father and we already miss him. Dad had a great sense of humor and a quick wit, and was always ready with a story. He loved the outdoors - fishing, hunting, camping, and gold panning. Dad also became a ham radio operator and enjoyed working with the amateur emergency radio service during RACES operations. His club memberships reflected his interests: Amateur Radio Emergency Service, N.W. Montana Prospectors, Amateur Radio Assoc. of America, and the N.W. Treasure Hunters.

He worked at the Sunshine and Bunker Hill mines for over 20 years, starting as a gypo miner and finishing his career as a diesel mechanic. Dad loved the job and the camaraderie of his fellow miners.

John married the love of his life on Dec. 27, 1952. Together they had five children: John C. Ostman (Mary Louise), Karla Bryan (Steven), Mary Hussey, Eric Ostman (Melanie), and Marc Ostman. Dad loved his 12 grandchildren: Jill and Aria Bryan; Thor, Ayla, and Jasmine Ostman; Shaun and David Hussey; Ian, Keegan, Isaiah, Miriam, and Hana Ostman; and his great-granddaughter, Selia Ostman. He had a special way with babies and children, with the ability to soothe any distress. With the older ones, he teased them incessantly.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Isadore J. Ostman (Ike) and Margaret Walker; son-in-law Ray Hussey; his brothers Fred, Bud, Lee, and Roy; his sister Zella Guier; his wife, Johann Feucht; grandson Neil Connner Hussey, and his great-granddaughter, Nuala Johanna Ostman. He is survived by his five children, sister Nadene Wing (Ernie), and brother Dick (Joan) Ostman; and two grandsons, Ben Ostman and Sully Ostman.

As per Dad's request, no funeral service will be held, but we will have a memorial service in the spring. He will be cremated and interred at St. Thomas Cemetery.

We would like to thank his long-time physician, Dr. Donald Chisolm and his staff for their great care over the years, Dr. Charles Gates and his staff, and the staff at Kootenai Medical Center for their care and attention to our dad on his last day.

Visit John's memorial and sign the online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com