Murvel Ernest Ostrander
Murvel Ernest Ostrander peacefully passed on to join his ancestors, friends and brothers in arms on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lutheran Home in Jamestown, N.Y. His wife of 74 years and family were by his side. He was 95 years old.
Murv was born July 27, 1925, to John A. and Rosetta Furlow Ostrander in Gerry, N,Y. He attended the old Gerry Union School and then Cassadaga Valley School. In 1944, he reported for duty to serve with the 28 Infantry Division, 112th Regiment of the U.S. Army, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
He married Margaret Seastrum and settled into civilian life. He worked most of his life as a diesel mechanic for Chautauqua Transit and as a long distance bus driver for Holiday Tours. He later worked for Jamestown City Bus Co. After retiring, Murvel and Margaret moved to Florida, where they owned and operated a small motel. In 2015, facing advancing age, they settled into The Lutheran Retirement Campus.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: John, Lester and Lyle; a half-sister, Gladys; and grandson, Randall Hofgren.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Margaret Seastrum Ostrander; father of Bruce (Ann) and Lyle (Nance) Ostrander, Kathleen (Ray) Hofgren, and Lynne (Jim) Hilderbrand; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Murv was a long time Mason and Shriner and Sinclairville 76ers. He will be interred in the Gerry Hill Cemetery, among many Ostrander ancestors and relatives. The funeral will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at 2 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service at Jordan Funeral Home in Sinclairville, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Erie Shriners Children’s Hospital.
He will be remembered as someone who thoroughly enjoyed life with a great sense of humor and quick wit.