Obituary for Denise M. Ostendorf
Denise Marie Ostendorf of Zionsville, IN, left her family and friends
on May 22, 2019, the result of an extended battle with cancer. Denise
was born in Vincennes on December 29, 1961, the fifth child of Francis
and Blanche (Clark) Ostendorf, and was immediately known as “Nese,”
and subsequently by her nieces and nephews, as “Uncle Nese.” She is
survived by her mother, Blanche of Vincennes; sisters Susan (Rick)
Leonard of Vincennes and Debbie (Jack) Goodner of Lebanon, TN;
sister-in-law Debby (Pea) Ostendorf of Vincennes; brothers Matt
(Marilyn) Ostendorf of Newburgh and Greg (Janet) Ostendorf of
Zionsville; and her nieces and nephews, all of whom had a special
relationship with her (Uncle Nese being but one example). She was
predeceased in 2017 by both her father, Francis, and brother, Doug
Ostendorf of Vincennes.
Denise was a graduate of Rivet High School and Indiana University. She
was the consummate teacher and relished the challenges of the
profession and the rewards of seeing her students succeed in life. Her
teaching career began at her high school alma mater, Rivet High
School, and concluded at Zionsville High School. Throughout her
career, Denise was originative and endeavored to make her classes
interesting and fun, a conundrum for government classes. Many of her
students will remember one of her classroom techniques, the voices,
Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale, Don Vito Corleone, and the Jersey
Voice, to name a few. Denise was also an ardent supporter of her
students in their extracurricular activities of athletics, band,
choir, theater and various clubs. Denise was favored with a multitude
of teaching colleagues from both Rivet and Zionsville, all of whom
supported her in myriad ways, particularly during her final challenge,
at school, at home, at treatment facilities, and at the hospital.
Denise was a unique individual from the get-go. Born with an older
sister and three older brothers, her potential influences were
numerous, and she chose only the salubrious ones. Denise had many
interests and a wonderful sense of humor that was all her own, with a
range that spanned from highbrow to Philistine. She shared her
siblings’ love of satirical comedies, and was always quick to lend her
wit and banter on topics ranging from the dynamics of the Cold War
Kremlin to the latest developments with her favorite Bravolebrities.
She was also a disciple of ecclesiastical humor, evidenced by her
endless supply of nun greeting cards and pugilistic hand puppets.
Denise was an excellent student from elementary school through
graduate school. In teaching government and completing her master’s
degree, she developed a keen interest and understanding of the federal
election and political processes. During any election cycle, she was a
profusion of all the candidates’ positions on the issues.
Denise had a family that loved her dearly and countless close and
cherished friends throughout her life. She was a genuinely good and
selfless person and her departure leaves a void in our hearts and
lives. The family expresses its sincerest gratitude to the many
friends and colleagues of Denise that visited, assisted and sustained
her during the throes of her illness. A celebration of Denise’s life
will be held on Saturday, June 1, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Harmony
Society, 111 N. Second Street, in Vincennes. At Denise’s request, in
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little
Sisters of the Poor at 2345 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
46260-1905 or through their website at
www.littlesistersofthepoorindianapolis.org.
Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home of Vincennes is honored to assist
Denise’s family during their time of loss.
Read More
on May 22, 2019, the result of an extended battle with cancer. Denise
was born in Vincennes on December 29, 1961, the fifth child of Francis
and Blanche (Clark) Ostendorf, and was immediately known as “Nese,”
and subsequently by her nieces and nephews, as “Uncle Nese.” She is
survived by her mother, Blanche of Vincennes; sisters Susan (Rick)
Leonard of Vincennes and Debbie (Jack) Goodner of Lebanon, TN;
sister-in-law Debby (Pea) Ostendorf of Vincennes; brothers Matt
(Marilyn) Ostendorf of Newburgh and Greg (Janet) Ostendorf of
Zionsville; and her nieces and nephews, all of whom had a special
relationship with her (Uncle Nese being but one example). She was
predeceased in 2017 by both her father, Francis, and brother, Doug
Ostendorf of Vincennes.
Denise was a graduate of Rivet High School and Indiana University. She
was the consummate teacher and relished the challenges of the
profession and the rewards of seeing her students succeed in life. Her
teaching career began at her high school alma mater, Rivet High
School, and concluded at Zionsville High School. Throughout her
career, Denise was originative and endeavored to make her classes
interesting and fun, a conundrum for government classes. Many of her
students will remember one of her classroom techniques, the voices,
Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale, Don Vito Corleone, and the Jersey
Voice, to name a few. Denise was also an ardent supporter of her
students in their extracurricular activities of athletics, band,
choir, theater and various clubs. Denise was favored with a multitude
of teaching colleagues from both Rivet and Zionsville, all of whom
supported her in myriad ways, particularly during her final challenge,
at school, at home, at treatment facilities, and at the hospital.
Denise was a unique individual from the get-go. Born with an older
sister and three older brothers, her potential influences were
numerous, and she chose only the salubrious ones. Denise had many
interests and a wonderful sense of humor that was all her own, with a
range that spanned from highbrow to Philistine. She shared her
siblings’ love of satirical comedies, and was always quick to lend her
wit and banter on topics ranging from the dynamics of the Cold War
Kremlin to the latest developments with her favorite Bravolebrities.
She was also a disciple of ecclesiastical humor, evidenced by her
endless supply of nun greeting cards and pugilistic hand puppets.
Denise was an excellent student from elementary school through
graduate school. In teaching government and completing her master’s
degree, she developed a keen interest and understanding of the federal
election and political processes. During any election cycle, she was a
profusion of all the candidates’ positions on the issues.
Denise had a family that loved her dearly and countless close and
cherished friends throughout her life. She was a genuinely good and
selfless person and her departure leaves a void in our hearts and
lives. The family expresses its sincerest gratitude to the many
friends and colleagues of Denise that visited, assisted and sustained
her during the throes of her illness. A celebration of Denise’s life
will be held on Saturday, June 1, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Harmony
Society, 111 N. Second Street, in Vincennes. At Denise’s request, in
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little
Sisters of the Poor at 2345 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
46260-1905 or through their website at
www.littlesistersofthepoorindianapolis.org.
Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home of Vincennes is honored to assist
Denise’s family during their time of loss.
To plant a tree in memory of Denise M. Ostendorf, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Reception
Saturday
1
Jun
2:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
Harmony Society
111 N. 2nd St.
Vincennes, IN 47591
Memorial Contribution
Little Sisters of the Poor
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