Josef Ostruska, Staff Sergeant, USAF, Retired, died Friday, October 9, 2015 at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford surrounded by his family after a long illness. Josef was born in Nebory, Czechoslovakia, the son of the late Karel and Anna Ostruszka. As a young man, he was drafted into the German Army from which he later escaped to join the Czech Free Legion fighting alongside the Allied Forces during WWII. After the war, Josef returned to his native Czechoslovakia, only having to escape again when the Communists gained control of his beloved country. He lived in southern Germany and joined the U.S. Army in 1952. He later came to the United States, becoming a citizen in 1957 and reenlisting in the U. S. Air Force. His long and colorful career included many varied and rewarding assignments in Europe and the United States as an Enlisted Aide to several General Officers, most notably among them were the late General Curtis LeMay and late General Fred Vetter. Josef received many awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding service. He retired in 1972 at Dover Air Force Base.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Josef began a second career with the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles, retiring in 1987. He spent his leisure time hunting in Germany, Alaska, Australia, and the Western United States, with many of his trophies adorning the walls of his home. He was a true people person and when he was no longer able to follow his beloved hobby of hunting, he turned his attention to volunteering at the Dover Air Force Base, where he was an active and dedicated volunteer at the Base Hospital and the Passenger Terminal. He was never too busy to help travelers in need. Through his volunteer work and travels around the globe,  Josef made many friends with whom he maintained contact over the years. 

He was a member of many organizations, including the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Disabled American Veterans, CSA Lodge of St. Petersburg, FL ( a Czech club), and the German American Club in Dover. Josef and his wife Margot moved to Florida to enjoy the warm weather, but later returned to Delaware to be near their daughter, grandchildren and their many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Margot; one daughter Johanna M. Ward; three grandchildren Amanda, Jessica and Ryan; and his son-in-law Greg Ward, all of Delaware; his sister Hela and family, of the Czech Republic and a sister-in-law Inge and family of Germany.

Services with full military honors will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE  19966. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to either St. John's Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford, DE  19963 or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE  19963. Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, DE. Letters of condolence may be sent to www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

 Service Information