Bruce Joseph Ostrander Sr.

Bruce Joseph Ostrander Sr. age 83 of Duluth passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026. A lifelong Duluthian, he was born on April 24, 1943 to parents, Carl and Dorothy (Lyons) Ostrander. Bruce was a 1961 graduate of Cathedral High School. He was united in marriage to Rachel Lynn Sandbulte on June 8, 1986. Bruce was a proud member of the Duluth Fire Department for 20 years, retiring as a Fire Captain. He was also a member of the National Guard, initially joining the Army National Guard and later transitioning to the Air National Guard. He retired from the 148th in Duluth as a Master Sergeant. He was proud of his service and was especially honored to be called upon to play the bugle for many military funerals and ceremonies. Bruce's interests were varied and diverse; from poetry and music to flyfishing, history, museums and engine repair – he was happiest when he had something to tinker with.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rachel (Sandbulte) Ostrander; children, Bruce Ostrander Jr., Melissa Ostrander, Evan (Shalese) Ostrander, Kate (Zachary) Wagner, and Benjamin (Kaitlyn) Ostrander; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved him dearly; brother, David (Janice) Ostrander; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arend and Verna Sandbulte; sisters-in-law, Ruth Peterson and Kristin (Jeffery) Melby; brother-in-law, Gregory (Cheryl) Sandbulte; and many extended family and friends.

A private burial will be held at a later date.