Lori Ostrem Obituary

Lori Marie Ostrem, 68, of Story City, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Lori was born on May 15, 1957, in Canby, MN, to James and Martha (Goranson) Jacobson. She was raised in Dell Rapids, SD, and graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1975. She went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.

After graduating from college, Lori began teaching at Central Lyon in Rock Rapids, where she met the love of her life, Douglas Ostrem. They were united in marriage on August 1st, 1981, in Dell Rapids, SD.

In 1982, Lori and Doug moved to Cedar Rapids where she taught at Vinton Community Schools.

In 1985, they welcomed their first son, Jeremiah. The family then settled in Story City, where they planted their roots and later welcomed sons Joshua and Jacob. Lori worked at Mainstream Living for a short time before beginning her teaching career with Ballard Community Schools. Throughout her career she taught special education, 5th grade and finished teaching 4th grade until her retirement in 2020.

Teaching was Lori's mission in life. Through her dedication, she poured her whole heart into ensuring that each student received the attention and support they needed to reach their full potential. She will be remembered for her caring heart, kindness, and selflessness.

More than anything, Lori loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed traveling with Doug, most notably their trip to Alaska in 2021, tailgating at Iowa football games, attending her grandkids' sporting events, going on bike rides with Doug, and hosting a house full of family and friends.

Lori is survived by her husband of 44 years, Douglas, of Story City; her children, Jeremiah (Melissa) of Bondurant, Joshua (Jamie) of Urbandale, and Jacob (Jenny) of Eldridge; and her beloved grandchildren, Eli, Isaiah, Collins, Presley, James, Ellie, and Lucy. She is also survived by cousins, who were like sisters, Kris Norlin of Rapid City, SD, and Niki Abeyta of Littleton, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Martha Jacobson; her in-laws, John and Eva Ostrem; her sister-in-law, Joyce Ostrem, and her brothers-in-law, Steve Ostrem and Karl Ostrem.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at the William Bliss Cancer Center at McFarland Clinic in Ames, her home health aides, and the many families, friends, and colleagues who supported them during this time.