Paul Tim Ostman

Paul "Johnie" Ostman 75 passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family at Solvay House from Multiple System Atrophy. He was born in 1950 to John and Mildred (Wilcox) Ostman, Duluth, MN. He cherished his upbringing on Park Point and started his family there. He enjoyed all that Lake Superior and the beach had to offer: boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and running.

After graduation from Duluth Central HS in 1968 and time studying at UMD, Paul proudly joined the US Navy in 1970, serving as an Electronics Technician for ground approach radar. He was stationed at bases in Georgia and Texas. Following his service in 1976 with a sense of adventure he rode his 10- speed bike home from Texas to Duluth. As an avid marathon runner, he completed many full and half marathons. He was also very active in softball, sponsored by the Main Restaurant, and early Saturday morning hockey as a goalie, where he made lifelong friendships. He continued his athletic pursuits on an annual 100- mile bike ride to Ely, MN with his hockey friends.

Paul dedicated 28 years of service to the Duluth Fire Department and spent 18 years teaching at the Emergency Response Training Center at Lake Superior College, mentoring numerous fire service students. He volunteered for five Northland Honor Flights bringing veterans to Washington, DC. His real passion was music. He played guitar in a band performing for weddings and birthdays. His special band experience was opening for Mitch Rider at the Historic Duluth Armory on London Road. More recently he volunteered at the Music Resource Center, a youth music program of the Armory Arts and Music Center.

His greatest pride and joy are his two wonderful daughters and his five granddaughters. They were his heart. He raised them with love, humor and a sense of wonder.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Lyle, Audrey and Dan. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Mars Ostman, daughter Sara (Joel) Socha, daughter Molly (Rich) Milovich and their children, "the tiny tots". He is also survived by his sisters­-in-law, Martha Mars, Katie (Jim) Spreitzer, Sara Curwin (Lance Olson), Nancy Ostman, brother-in-law, Bill (Corky) Mars, numerous nieces, nephews and a lifetime of beloved fellow firefighters.

All who knew Paul will say he walked with love every day. He had beautiful blue eyes and great blond hair. He will be missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

A private family burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw, MN. A Celebration of Life will be on the Monday after Grandma's Marathon, June 23, at the Pike Lake Golf Club (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm). In lieu of flowers- donations may be made to Solvay Hospice House in c/o the Miller Dwan Foundation 502 East Second Street, Duluth, MN 55805. The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the compassionate care they received from all the caregivers at Solvay Hospice House and Essentia Hospice Care.