Wesley E. Ostertag

Wesley E. Ostertag passed away August 31, 2023, in Tacoma, Washington. He was born October 3, 1939, to Evelyn Francis (Jones) Ostertag and Thomas Ostertag in Stevenson, Washington. A Matlock, Washington, resident for 25 years, he also resided in the Washington cities of Shelton, Eatonville, Federal Way, Lynnwood, and Vancouver.

Wes attended Eatonville Elementary School and graduated from Battleground High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard at Coos Bay Lifeboat Station in Charleston, Oregon - February 19, 1957 to April 7, 1961. He married Barbara Sperling in 1960 in Vancouver and they had three children. They divorced and Wes married Marlene Nettle; they lived in Bellevue, Washington, until their divorce.

Professionally, he worked for Singer Sewing Machines Co., Skill Tool Company, Clark County Saw and Tool (self-employed), M&W Construction, and Superior Home Services (1985-1993) a smoke, fire, water damage restoration company. Wes also operated/owned similar restoration companies, including working for First Choice Restoration (1993-2006), and owning Forefront Cleaning and Restoration (2012-2019), Pure Products, as well as Wes's Rustic Outdoor Furniture (1992-2023).

Wes was an outdoorsman, who lived off the grid for 25 years in a log cabin he built himself. He loved woodworking and had his own sawmill where he milled his own wood. He was hardworking, kind, caring, generous, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved finger-style guitar picking, fly fishing, rock hounding, and making rustic furniture. He will be remembered for always having a dumb joke for everyone.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet Ostertag; two granddaughters; and son, Thomas Ostertag. He is preceded in death by his son, Brian Ostertag; his parents and brother, Phil Ostertag.

Services will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Matlock Community Church, 216 W. Matlock Brady Road, Elma, WA 98541. Because Wes was an avid finger-style guitar player, attendees are invited to bring their guitars and play a tune for Wes.

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