Joseph E. Ostry

Longtime businessman, Joseph Ostry, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by family. His Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff, with Rev. Fr. Rayappa Konka and Rev. Fr. Don Burhman concelebrating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Visitation will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church or St. Agnes Catholic School. The Mass will be livestreamed and recorded on Joe’s obituary page, viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Joe was born March 31, 1942, in Ulysses, Nebraska, to Joseph and Marie (Matulka) Ostry. He received his education from St. Mary’s David City High School, and went on to attend trade school in Milford, Nebraska.

He married Bernice Slama on June 2, 1962, and to this union two daughters were born, Yvonne and Debbie. The couple moved to Scottsbluff in 1971 to establish the Dairy Queen and made the area their home. Upon Bernice’s passing in 1992, he continued to run the business alongside both of his daughters. Joe owned and operated the Dairy Queen for 56 years.

He met Margie Goeben, whom he was married to until her passing in 1998. In 2008, Joe married Mary Cushing, a true light and angel in his life. Together, they enjoyed years of traveling and dancing, leading them to all parts of the country and creating lasting friendships.

Joe was a man of deep faith and a strong work ethic. He enjoyed aviation, membership in the Experimental Aircraft Association, classic cars, his Czech heritage, and polka dancing. Through the Dairy Queen, he formed meaningful connections with countless customers, business associates, and employees, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Joe is survived by his wife Mary (Cushing) Ostry of Scottsbluff; daughters, Yvonne (Mike) Merrigan and Debbie (Corey) Greckel both of Scottsbluff; grandsons, Nathan Greckel and Blake (Sarah) Greckel both of Cozad; siblings, Art Ostry of Illinois, Larry (Simin) Ostry of Washington, Sr. Marie Alice Ostry and Sr. Rita Ostry both of Omaha.

Joe was blessed to be part of two beautiful blended families with the Cushing family; Mary’s five children and their families and the Merrigan family with the four grandchildren and their families. He had many special grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and treasured friends.

Welcoming Joe home to eternal life are his parents, Joe and Marie; departed wives, Bernice Ostry and Margie Goeben; and infant son, Frank.

The family wishes to recognize very special caring angels who contributed to Joe’s care: Robin Cushing, Mary Sue (Cushing) Lockwood both of Scottsbluff, and Julie (Cushing) Quickert of Germany.