Dave Ostrowerka

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dave Ostrowerka, a man known for his incredible work ethic and his deep love for his family, fresh groomers, and green fairways.

Dave spent many sunny days golfing and skiing with family and friends.

He will be remembered as an amazing father by his four sons, Dustin (Carol), Kris, Andrew (Marissa), and Jordan. He was also a beloved Gido to Max and Emma, and step-Gido to Lorin and Dashiell.

Dave is survived by his wife, Linda, and his siblings Dennis (Hazel), Jean (Ron), Bill (Maureen), Barbara (Brian), and Irene. He was predeceased by his mother, Tillie (2025), his father, Ray (2011), and his older brother, Jimmy (1979).

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at St. Stephen’s Cemetery 20303 - Meridian St. N.E. Edmonton, Alberta with a celebration of life to follow at Chateau Louise Hotel & Conference Centre in the St. Michael Room at 2:30 pm - 11727 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, Alberta.

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We gather here today to say goodbye to Dave, to honor his life, and to lay him to rest with respect, love, and gratitude.

Dave Russell Ostrowerka was born June 14, 1952, in Edmonton, to Ray and Tillie. He was the third son…almost the second…arriving just five minutes after his twin brother, Dennis. Dave was the third oldest in a family of seven siblings, with an older brother Jim, sister Jean, brother Bill, and sister Barb. As a young boy, he was quite the rascal and often found himself getting into a bit of trouble. But he grew up and married Linda Nolin on June 17, 1979. Together, they raised four wonderful boys: Dustin, Kristopher, Andrew, and Jordan. Dave and Linda were also blessed with two grandchildren, Max and Emma and step-grandsons Lorin and Dashiell.

There’s no easy way to sum up a life, but if we think of Dave, many of us will picture him doing what he loved…working with his hands, tinkering with cars, figuring things out,
bringing patience, curiosity, and care to whatever was in front of him.

He was never one to sit idle…always needing to do something, to fix something, to keep moving. But even with that constant energy, he knew how to appreciate the little things, finding quiet enjoyment in simple moments and everyday life.

He had a way of staying busy, of fixing, adjusting, improving…not just machines, but moments.
And in that, he gave something meaningful to the people around him.

Dave also loved the things that brought him freedom and joy…skiing, golfing, playing hockey in the old timers league, and heading out on trips on his motorcycle, taking in the world at his own pace and in his own way.

He knew the value of getting away and of heading out to British Columbia, taking in the scenery, the fresh air, and the sense of freedom that comes with the open road.
Those trips weren’t just about the destination, but about enjoying life, slowing down, and making memories…whether that meant a quiet moment in nature or sharing the experience with others.
British Columbia wasn’t just a place he visited…it was somewhere he had hoped to one day retire and call home.

Dave was also proud of his Ukrainian heritage. It was an important part of who he was, and something he carried with him throughout his life.
He shared that pride with his boys, even trying to teach them Ukrainian, passing along not just words, but a connection to where he came from.

At the heart of everything, though, was his love for his boys and his grandchildren, and for family and friends.
He made time to visit, to connect, to be present.
Those everyday moments…conversations, laughter, time spent together…are what stay with us now.
Many of those memories were made celebrating birthdays and sharing meals at Capital Pizza, one of his favorite spots.

And of course, there was Harley…his best buddy, a loyal companion, and a reminder of the simple, steady kind of love that Dave gave so easily.

Today, as we lay him to rest, we’re not just saying goodbye…we’re holding onto all those pieces of who he was.

His life is reflected in the things he built, the people he cared about, and the memories we carry forward.

We now commit Dave to his resting place, returning him to the earth, with appreciation for the life he lived and the impact he made in quiet, steady ways.

Dave, you’ll be remembered in the stories we tell, in the time we spend with one another, and in the simple, meaningful moments you valued so much.

You were loved.
You will be missed.
And you will not be forgotten.