John Ostlund
March 06, 1952 - June 19, 2025
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Ostlund, announce his passing on June 19, 2025 at the age of 73. John was currently serving his 4th term as a Yellowstone County Commissioner. He was a beloved Montanan with a heart of service, integrity and compassion.
He was born March 6, 1952 to Rose and John Ostlund in Bowbells, North Dakota. John spent the early years of his life helping on the family farm with his siblings. He and his family relocated to Billings, Montana in 1964 and so began his love for the state of Montana and his home of Yellowstone County.
John had a deep, unwavering love for his family and friends. As the protector and quiet strength behind those he loved, he held a special place in the hearts of his five siblings. His bond with his mother was also strong, as their connection was built on mutual respect and love and he enjoyed spending time and caring for her through the years.
John loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting, riding dirt bikes and snowmobiling with his friends and children. Buying and selling cars was also a true passion of Johns. He loved classic country music, car shows, and flying. His commitment to his lifelong friends was evident in early morning breakfasts at local restaurants and various social events that he always made time for.
On September 29, 2001, John married the love of his life, Kristie Cooper. They spent 23 wonderful years together and built their dream home and ranch in the foothills of Billings. He loved spending time in his hanger, and being in his grader cleaning up roads and plowing snow. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings at the ranch, tossing the ball for his beloved dogs, and riding four-wheelers with his grandchildren.
John dedicated his life to his family, his community, and his cherished home state of Montana. Whether in public office or in quiet moments with his family and friends, he served with deep conviction and unwavering commitment to the values he held dear—honesty, hard work, and care for others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. His family was the center of his world, and his love for them was evident in everything he did. He took so much pride in his five children and eight grandchildren. John leaves behind a lasting impact on the lives he touched and the community he loved. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy—of service, sincerity, and boundless compassion—will continue to live on in all who loved him.
As a dedicated Yellowstone County Commissioner, John was a tireless advocate for rural communities, as he was a proponent of common-sense policies that reflected the needs and spirit of Montana's people. His leadership and accomplished career was marked by clarity, courage, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in his belief that the government should serve its citizens with transparency and respect.
John will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife of 23 years, Kristie Ostlund; children, Amy Cox, Cara (Ryan) McClung, Stephanie (Ryan) Mahar, and Tyler (Erin) Cook. Grandchildren, Hunter and Reagan Cox, Madelyn and Gavin McClung, Lexis Goffena, Dylan Ostlund, Jack Cook and Maggie Mahar. Mother, Rose Lance; siblings, Gary (Carolyn) Ostlund, Monica Hoshall, Bonnie (Dale)Lambert, Hal (Rosa) Ostlund, and Jacqueline (Jeff) Richey, as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, and loyal companions, Brimley and Ruger.
John was preceded in death by his father, John Ostlund, and his son, Brian Ostlund.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the MetraPark in Billings, MT on July 12th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to honor the man that meant so much to us and our community. Patriotic and western attire are welcomed. John’s remains will be spread by plane over the home he cherished at a later date. The service will be livestreamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/john-ostlunds-celebration-of-life-og7xvvvfhg6yljgvlxds
The family would like to thank everyone who has provided services to us in the past week, as well as the outpouring of love we have felt both near and far. It has been humbling to say the least to learn about the reach John had.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to Chase Hawks Memorial Association Attn:Teddi, P.O. Box 31333 Billings, MT 59107.
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Jul 12, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MDT
MetraPark - First Interstate Arena • 308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
Photos
Memories
RD
Robyn Driscoll
Friend •
How’s my girl? Women all over Billings, Yellowstone county, and the state of MT will miss hearing those words while being enveloped in a big hug by a guy in wranglers and a cowboy hat. But we all knew that Kristie was his girl, the love of his life, with his family running a close second. I was his lefty friend as he called me, but as a tribute to his character, it didn’t stop him from helping me understand the county as I had only been involved in state policy prior to being appointed to the commission. How’s my girl? Well , John. Your girls are really sad today. Please rest easy knowing that Kristie, your best girl, is enveloped in hugs and wrapped in love.
JH
Jim Healy
Friend •
I just heard the sad news. I met John when he first attended a National Association of Counties meeting many years ago. Every year I looked forward to having coffee with John at these meetings and he always invited me to go out with the rest of the crew of Commissioners from Montana. John taught this city boy from Chicago about life in more rural counties. He invited me out to Montana with my kids on one of our family vacations. I am in Philadelphia today at these meetings NACo conference when Joe Briggs broke the news. I know I speak for the over 3,000 county commissioners from across the Country in offering our condolences to John’s family. I will miss that big smile with at big Stetson and buckle. I will miss you John. Your friend and fellow Commissioner Jim Healy - DuPage County Illinois.
RG
Rog Gryder
Coworker •
It has been one half CENTURY since I met John where we were both hauling grain and he was the most PRINCE-OF-A-MAN to work with! If I remeember correctly, at the time he worked on roads for the county and was hauling grain part time to pay off unexpected debt; and at that time and always, my respect for John was TOP SHELF! It wasn't until about 5 years later I saw John in a movie theater where we had the most pleasant visit and he introduced me to a special engine oil additive (which, to this day, always reminds me of John) Over the decades, I have tried to locate John to no avail and my only regret is that when I found him - it was in this obituary. YES, this planet has lost most pleasant man of integrity. Shalom aleichem b'shem Yeshua (Peace be upon you in the name of Jesus :o)
VW
Valarie weber
Coworker •
I met John as a farm kid, because of his staunch support of farmers and ranchers. I later knew him as an outstanding pool player in the local leagues. After he was elected commissioner, John became my boss. We did not always agree politically, but John's comittment to Yellowstone County was incredible. One could always find common ground with him by focusing on the greater good. He was a huge advocate for the kids at Youth Services Center, and he always made a point to spend time with them. I am shocked and saddened by his death and my heart goes out to Kristie and the family. RIP old friend. Valarie Weber, retired Yellowstone County employee
ML
Mikel P Lund
Coworker •
As a not so veteran Commissioner, I appreciated John’s leadership, knowledge, and concern for his people, not only in Yellowstone Co., but also the far reaches of Montana. He will be missed, greatly. My condolences to his family. God Bless them and give them peace. I really liked his cowboy hat! Mikel P. Lund, retired Daniels Co.
MP
Mark D. Parker
Friend •
Work required me to be downtown one summer day at about 6:30 a.m. I was sitting in my car and John Ostlund was walking down the street. No one else was around. He ran into a small pile of garbage on the sidewalk and cleaned up every bit of it. He did not look around hoping that he would be recognized for this achievement. He just moved on. He was a solid citizen when no one was watching.