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 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
Jane Heffron
My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Tricia and all of Kris’ family.
Far more than a caretaker, Kris became our friend. He helped us more than I can convey, always having our summer home ready for arrival and always secure when we were away. Beyond his seemingly endless sets of skills, it was his love of the job, his professionalism, honesty, positive reassuring demeanor, and can-do attitude that made him special. He took on the burdens, and solved the problems, ready to be there when help was needed.
Kris will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Rob Lytle
Kris was a brother to me in law enforcement. He was that guy I met in 1994, at Bedford Hills, and had a southern bit of drawl that I’ll never forget. He helped me tremendously in my early career, little did I know whom he was married to until that day we talked of “home”. He fought for his country, protected the state and loved his family to no end. It is with a heavy heart I say good bye to one of the best partners I ever had. Till we meet again KV. My deepest condolences to Tricia and all of Kris’s family. May you RIP KV.
Gregory Powell
Kris was a great CO & good friend & he always had a positive attitude towards his work & with his brothers in Corrections. RIP BROTHER-YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Tanya Bartholomew
Tricia you and your family are in our prayers.
Please know we are a call away if you need anything.
Clark and Tanya Bartholomew
Billy Greene
I spent years as Kris’s leader, he was a great man, always had a great sense of humor, and was a dedicated soldier, my heart goes out to his family.
Til Valhalla Brother
Anthony & Jessica Pounds
Our hearts go out to you during this incredibly tough time.
There are no words we could say to ease the pain you are feeling, and not enough heartfelt words to describe how great of a person Kris was. He was an extraordinary person, and his memory will live on in all who knew him. I hope you can find some comfort in the wonderful memories you shared and in knowing how much he meant to so many people.
Please know that we are here for you. Whether you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, or anything else, do not hesitate to reach out. You are not alone in this, and you have many people who care about you.
Til Vahalla Ozzy.
Linda Helmer
Tricia, Im so sorry to hear about your husband. My condolences to you and your family. Prayers to you and your family ❤️.
Meg Docteur
With deepest sympathy. Sending lots of love to the fam and fur babies.
Jolie Rose
Tricia, Nick and Britton,
Jerry and I were so saddened to hear of Kris’s death. What a terrible shock for all of you. Prayers for all of you as you deal with your heavy hearts.
Lou
Chris will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. While time may ease the pain of loss, the impact he had will surely stay with you.
Love Paul and Lou Cesario
Tina Cratsenberg-Timmerman
Thoughts & prayers to Tricia and the entire family. Thinking of you.
Cindy Johnson
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time Tricia!!! When I come for a visit to NY I will come see you!!! Praying for all of you!!!
Tammy Reiss
I’m truly grateful that Tricia met Kris and that he made her life a happy one and took such great care of his family. He was a great guy and will be missed. Love to all of you, Aunt Tammy
Kim Switzer-Hibbard
Tricia I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers our with you and your family.
Michelle Youngs
Trisha, Brittney, Nick , Sterling and Patty and Family. So sorry for the loss of Kris. You where great neighbors. Loved seeing your children grow up. Saw Kris a lot at Garlocks. He was a great man, I will miss seeing him at the store. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Rich and Michelle Fitzsimmons
Theodore & Angela McNatt
Tricia, Britton, and Nick
We are sending prayers of peace and comfort during this difficult time. May all your wonderful memories comfort you. You are not alone!!
Sam Chadwick
Kris is a true brother to me and to so many others from the 69th infantry. He will be missed and remembered for the rest of my life.
I hope all that knew him will find peace.
Til Valhalla
Faith (Thompson) Hocutt Ringwelski
Trisha I am so very sorry. My brother has my phone number please get it from him. I understand the terrible pain you are going through. He was an amazing person. My heart goes out to you.
Kim & Mike Aubertine
Tricia, Brittin, Nick & extended family,
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers for your family. We were saddened to hear of Kris’s unexpected passing.
Thinking of all of you,
Mike & Kim Aubertine and family
Judy McCullough
Think of him and miss him every day