Craig Ostler

Craig Andersen Ostler, 82, of American Fork Utah passed away of natural causes on January 22, 2026. 

Craig was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 20, 1943 to Josie Andersen and Virgil Frederick Ostler.

Craig graduated from Bountiful High School, then went on to serve a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Perth, Australia.

Upon returning from his mission, he attended the University of Utah for a year before being drafted to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam. However, instead of going there, he was placed in the armory and sent to Germany.

While in Germany, he met his wife, Edeltraud Stasch, and they were married on November 01, 1968. When interviewing with his commanding officer for permission to get married, his CO asked if it was true that "Mormons" never got divorced? Always snappy with a comeback, Craig replied, "No sir, we don't. We just shoot each other."
Their eternal companionship was later solemnized in the Provo, Utah temple.

Upon returning to the United States, Craig worked for his father's company, Rocky Mountain Refractories, as a salesman and semi driver. Their company provided the refractory linings for the large blast furnaces at Geneva Steel. After the company closed it's doors, Craig worked as an independent semi driver for various contractors until his retirement. His skill as a driver and knowledge about hauling all kinds of materials made him a valuable asset to everyone.

Craig and Traude have three children.

Their oldest daughter, Norma, was part of a package deal when the two of them married. He liked to tease Traude and tell her that it was really Norma who "sealed" the deal.                                                                                                                                                                                   

They welcomed their son, Nicholas Craig Ostler, on August 11, 1974, and their hearts were broken when Nicholas was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in April of 2000.                                                                                                                                                                               

They were foster parents to several children over the years, but one young boy captured their love and their hearts, and they later adopted Matthew Mercer.

Craig enjoyed his time as a grandpa to Timothy, Sarah, Portia, Katy, Marshall and Harmonie. 

Craig served in various church callings throughout his life and was always happiest when he could give service to others.

Craig was easily recognized driving around town in his big red Ford truck. It was his trademark set of wheels and driving was his passion. A 300 mile drive was merely a trip around the block to him. The farther the drive, the better he liked it and making good time was always a point of pride with him.

Craig was preceded in death by his fiance Carla Newsome, his parents, Josie and Virg, his brother, Steve, and his son, Nicholas.

Craig is survived by his wife of 57 years, Traude Ostler; his daughter, Norma Chaffin (Lynn); his son, Matthew Mercer; his sister Susen Boice (Keith); his brother, James Ostler (Sally); his sister-in-law, Carolyn Lyman (George); six grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at the LDS chapel on 1305 North 100 East in American Fork, Utah. Friends and family are invited to a viewing at 9:45 am before the service which will take place at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the American Fork cemetery located at 26 West 600 North in American Fork, Utah.