It is with profound sadness that we say, our beloved Kristofer (Ozzy) J VanOsdel, has passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2024.

Born December 22, 1968 to Robert L. (Maru) VanOsdel and Carol B. (John) Hazlett in Long Beach California.  Kris grew up surfing, skiing, riding dirt bikes and sailing to Catalina Island on Grandpa Dukes boat.

After graduation in 1987, Kris joined the US Army.  Just because, it was ‘the first door on the right’.  That brought him to Ft. Drum.  In early 1990, he met Tricia M. Thompson.  On Feb. 2, 1991, they were married in Adams Center, NY, in Tricia’s grandparents living room with Pastor (Uncle) Kevin Thompson presiding.   In 1992, they welcomed daughter Brittin and in 1997 son Nicholas.

Kris served his country proudly and with honor.  He began his career in C Co 2-87, quickly moving through the ranks.  He left the Army in 1994, became a NYS Corrections Officer and joined the Army National Guard.  In 2004 he was activated to fight for his country in Iraq as part of B Co. 1/69 256 BCT out of Long Island.  Also known as ‘The Fighting Irish’.  Through his time in the service, he earned many accolades and awards. 

In 1997, Kris and his family moved to Franklin St. in Clayton NY.  This began an incredible journey with the Franklin St. family and love for the St. Lawrence River.  This is where they raised their family on a street filled with immense love.  This home is where he began his love of working with his hands.  Whether it was building something or fixing something he was a quick study and loved learning it.  When he wasn’t doing that, he spent his summers on The VanClan and cruising the St. Lawrence River with all of his family, to include his river family.  He was immensely proud of his kids and wife, he told them every chance he got, and that he loved them.

After retiring from the Guard and Corrections, Kris started a business as an island caretaker.  He absolutely loved it because, every day on the river is a good day.   He was loved and respected by those he worked for.

In 2022, Kris (Ozzy) became a member of the CVMA 19-2.  This was the brotherhood he had been missing in his life.  He was always the first to sign up and participate in whatever was needed.  Not wanting to stand out, he grew the most amazing and enviable beard.  The 19-2 filled his life with an additional passion and purpose that he had been missing.  Til Valhalla

Besides his wife of 33 years, and his parents, Kris leaves behind, a daughter, Brittin A. (Cory) Kendall, and son, Nicholas VanOsdel, and his beloved granddaughter, Clara A. Kendall.  Siblings, brother Eric VanOsdel and sister Monica Rowand and four step-sisters and families.  He was also deeply loved and will be tremendously missed by Lucy Rowand.  A father-in-law Sterling (Pam) Thompson, sister-in-law, Amy (Anil) Adyanthaya, three brother-in-laws, Geno (Jesse) Thompson, Paul (Lyn) Thompson, and Kim (Myra) Crump. Additionally, he leaves behind many nephews and nieces, and fur babies Cleetus and Dahlia. 

He was the most amazing husband, father, son and brother and most importantly by far, Dudepop. The world is truly a lesser place without his kind, loving, supportive soul in it. 

There will be graveside military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery on June 1, 2024 at 11am followed by a Celebration of Life at the C-Way Restaurant in Clayton.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the CVMA Chapter 19-2, via PayPal at @cvma192 (Vets Helping Vets), or send a check to CVMA 19-2, PO Box 402, Evans Mills, NY 13637 or The Wounded Warrior Project in Kris (Ozzy) VanOsdel’s name.

Arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.

Condolences can be made at trjetty.com