September 3, 1927 - August 5, 2014
Delores Ostgaard Ziemer, "Dee", age 86 of Minneapolis, died peacefully on the evening of August 5, 2014 in the presence of family. Preceded in death by parents, Holger and Hilda Ostgaard, husband and soul mate Charles, and step-son David. Survived by sister, Carol Esbjornson ( husband, John ), step-sons, Paul (partner Gael), James (wife Rosa), nephew, David (wife Beth), nieces, Mary, Karen and Susan (partner Todd); and step-grandchildren, Daniel (Michelle), Christine (Stephen), Bradley (Cindy), Elizabeth (Jamie), Matthew, Emily, Theodore (Katie), Sasha, Christopher and Sarah; and 11 great-grandchildren. Dee grew up on a farm near Sherburn, MN, the older of two children and received a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1949. Following graduation, Dee taught English, Creative Writing and Drama at Blue Earth High School (1949-1953), Winona HS, (1953-54), and Richfield HS (1954-1981). In 1964 she was a recipient of the prestigious John Hay Fellowship at Yale. Following her retirement from teaching, she devoted herself to writing and was a published author in several trade journals, as well as an active member of the Minneapolis Chapter of the American Association of University Women. Dee was a loving sister, mother, aunt and grandma, and will always be remembered for her dedication to teaching, imaginative and poetic short stories, captivating photoportraits of family and friends, meticulous seamstress skills, and delicious cooking. She was a dedicated member of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and a generous and caring spirit to all who knew her.
Memorials to the American Alzheimer's Association or Park Nicollet Hospice program.
As I read the Tribune this morning, the Ostgaard name jumped out at me. I remember with much fondness Delores, her sister Carol and their dear parents Holger and Hilda. I grew up in the First Congregational Church of Sherburn and enjoyed this wonderful family.
My deepest sympathy is extended to all of you.
Mary Kay Redenius