Charles Vanostran Sr.

Charles E. VanOstran, Sr., 93, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, August 28, 2009 with his wife of 74 years, Marie, by his bedside. Born in 1916 in Grawn, MI. Mr. VanOstran and his family lived in Traverse City before settling in Kalamazoo in 1954. The VanOstran family attended Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo and later became members of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Parchment. Mr. VanOstran served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Afterwards he developed a career in sales eventually becoming the district manager for Family Record Plan. After retirement Mr. VanOstran formed a musical ensemble the "Kalamazoo Senior Orchestra" which entertained local residents of nursing homes and other organizations. Mr. VanOstran played the saxophone, clarinet, piano, violin, and fiddle and he sang baritone. Mr. VanOstran was the fiddler for Governor G. Mennen Williams "Soapy" when the Governor called square dances during his years in office. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Mr. VanOstran is survived by his wife, Marie; sons Charles Jr. (Deanna), Lyle, Bert (Pam); and daughters Doris DeGraaf (Ed) and Ruth Kotler; along with 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Mr. VanOstran was much loved, lived a full life and will be missed by all. A military funeral will be held Friday, September 4 at 10:00 AM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery followed by a memorial service and luncheon at Lutheran Church of the Savior, 3616 East "G" Ave., Parchment, MI.