Dorothy June Ostendorf, 88, of North Platte, formerly of Maxwell, passed away February 13th, 2016 in Wilber, NE, with family by her side. She was born on a farm near Cedar Rapids, NE on December 16th, 1927 to Harrison and Mable Hartford. When she was 4 years old, the family moved to a farm near Primrose, NE, where she went to a country school through the 8thgrade. After graduating from Primrose High School, she moved to North Platte, and worked at Western Union and then The Bell Telephone Company. On May 18, 1947, she married Donald Ostendorf. This union was blessed with eight children.
In 1960 they moved to Maxwell, returning to North Platte in 2011. In 1973, Dorothy began working for the North Platte Telegraph, retiring in 1990 after 17 years of service. After retiring, she was a volunteer for various organizations, including Great Plains Health. Her large and extended family is what she treasured most. Dorothy was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Platte.
She was an avid fan of NASCAR, Husker football, volleyball and loved watching televised sporting events. Dorothy also loved attending sporting events involving her children and grandchildren. Prior to Don’s death in 2011, they enjoyed the social time of gathering with friends at the Eagle’s Club and/or the V.F.W. She will be remembered for her patience, her hospitality, an occasional trip to Rosebud Casino and her love of playing cards in her home, with friends and family.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Ronald (Cindi) Ostendorf of North Platte; seven daughters, Donna Hilderbrand of Colorado Springs, CO, Jan (Evan) Mehl of Crete, Bonnie (Tom) Rector of North Platte, Patricia (Phil) Miller of Cody, Tammy (Treverr) Menghini and Mindee (Mike) Mohr of North Platte, and Cindee (Tracy) Wright of Cabot, AR; 32 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie (Halverson) Taylor and Darlene (Henry) Schick of North Platte; brothers; Thomas (Donna) Hartford of Kearney and Robert (Ruth) Hartford of Loretto, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; a brother, William Hartford; sisters, Mildred Douty and Irene Loeffler; and a great-granddaughter, Alex Madison Jeffers.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8pm Thursday, February 18th, with family receiving friends and relatives from 5 to 8 pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences maybe shared a www.carpentermemorial.com
Services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.