Fatal Steele County car crash death of Jackie Ostlund – Obituary
Jackie Ostlund, hailing from Medford, has been identified by her family as the victim of a tragic two-vehicle collision that transpired Wednesday morning near Clinton Falls.
On the morning of May 28th at approximately 11:23 a.m., the Steele County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a two-vehicle collision at the crossroads of North Cedar Avenue and 50th Street in Steele County. Upon reaching the scene, emergency responders discovered two vehicles severely damaged from the impact. Both vehicles were operated by sole drivers. Regrettably, one of the drivers had to be extricated from the wreckage and was subsequently transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. Despite medical efforts, they succumbed to their injuries.
Initial inquiries indicate that one of the vehicles was traveling westbound while the other was heading southbound, resulting in a collision at the intersection.
Ostlund’s family confirmed her passing due to injuries sustained in the accident via a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday evening.
“Our hearts ache at the sudden and tragic loss of her extraordinary life. She illuminated the lives of many. Her absence leaves a void, and we find ourselves at a loss,” expressed her daughter, Rebecca Somers, on Facebook. “If you had the privilege of knowing her, you were enriched by her presence.”
Jackie Ostlund and her spouse, Peter, established Insty-Prints in downtown Owatonna back in 1995. In 2003, the couple initiated a distinctive program known as the Shine A Little Brighter grant program, or Shine Grants, providing complimentary print services to local nonprofits. This endeavor later evolved into the Insty-Prints corporation’s Footprints Fund.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Ostlund actively participated in the Owatonna Forward initiative. She dedicated her time as a volunteer to various organizations, including the Crisis Resource Center of Steele County, Grandparents for Education, Knights of Columbus, and Little Theatre of Owatonna. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with the Owatonna Business Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, formerly known as the Pioneer Woman Award.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Owatonna also mourned Ostlund’s passing, acknowledging her significant impact on the community. Numerous community members expressed their condolences, lauding her as a leader and visionary. Many others fondly remembered her as a compassionate, warm, and joyful companion.
The Minnesota State Patrol and Steele County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The response to the incident involved personnel from the Minnesota State Patrol, Owatonna Fire Department, Owatonna Police Department, Mayo Ambulance, and Mayo Air Care.
As of now, there have been no updates regarding the condition of the other driver involved in the collision.