Hi, I’m Lori Ostendorf and I have been a teacher in Big Lake for 26 years. I’m originally from Wyoming and received my college education in Montana. I’m a wife, mom, and very proud grandma to two grandsons. I love the small town feel we have in Big Lake – not to mention the lakes themselves – and I enjoy supporting our local businesses. Thank you for selecting me as a Face of Big Lake!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my wonderful husband, Darrell. We have two amazing children, Michael and Danielle. Michael and his beautiful wife, Clea, have two sons, Theo, 3-years-old, and Max, 7 months old.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have been a teacher in Big Lake for 26 years.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I grew up in God’s country, Sheridan, Wyoming, where I was born and raised. I attended college in Montana where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Prior to moving to Minnesota, I taught in Billings, Montana for six years. Currently, I am an 8th grade English teacher at Big Lake Middle School.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
I have a nickname, Osty, that was given to me my first year teaching in Big Lake by a couple of other teachers, and it has stuck ever since. It’s just a shortened version of my last name, so a lot of my teacher friends call me by my nickname.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I love to read, so it is too hard to name just one favorite book. I enjoy reading historical fiction, realistic fiction, and nonfiction. However, my favorite book to teach is The Outsiders. As far as TV, I like Yellowstone and Ted Lasso.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life, I would choose pasta or fruit, and I would choose flavored water for my beverage.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Some of my favorite hobbies are reading, cooking, baking, walking my dog, visiting my family in Sheridan, traveling, hanging out with my husband, and spending time with my grandsons.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
One thing that was on my bucket list was to go to a Pittsburgh Steelers game, which I was able to do in 2018.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, I would share it with my family and friends and help people in need.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
It’s been challenging overcoming injuries that I received in a 2018 car accident that I was in.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t necessarily change anything, but I do wish I had other talents like being able to sing or draw.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
Throughout my life, my parents were my heroes. I looked up to them for a number of reasons. They both instilled a strong work ethic in me and taught me about sacrifice and compassion.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishments are being a loving and supportive wife, mother, and Nana. I’m also proud to have been a teacher for 32 years.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
I love supporting the Grind, Big Lake Floral, and Coborn’s.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I enjoy the small town feel about Big Lake as well as the beautiful lake itself.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Enjoy the small town life!
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Heidi Olson
