OSTERLOH KARL L

LTC Karl L. Osterloh was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 01/26/2012 at the age of 79.5
Oakland, CA
Flight Classes 56-6 and 57-8
Date of Birth 08/05/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 48 AHC in 67-68, ADVISOR 9 ROK in 68, 18 ENG BDE in 68, MACV ENGR STAFF in 72-73
Call sign in Vietnam BLUE STAR

More detail on this person: Lieutenant Colonel Karl L. Osterloh, USA, Retired Aug. 5, 1932 - Jan. 26, 2012 Resident of Oakland Karl Lewis Osterloh of Oakland, CA passed away January 26, 2012 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born in Albany, CA on August 5, 1932 to Karl and Margaret Osterloh and preceded in death by his brothers, Don and Darrow, and sister Vickie. After his 1955 graduation from the University of California, Berkeley, CA, Karl had a long career in the U.S. Army retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He served his country with distinction moving from base to base with his family including assignments in Central and South America assisting in the mapping of the Brazilian and Guatemalan jungles. He served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as an assault helicopter pilot, company commander of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company. He received numerous commendations including 3 Bronze Stars and 6 Air Medals for valor. Karl married his beloved wife, Rita, in 1955 and began a wonderful 56-year marriage. They were blessed with six daughters and 14 grandchildren. Karl is survived by his wife, Rita, daughters Lorna (Tony), Denise (Larry), Donna (Tom), Bonnie (Trent), Heather (Kirk) and Karla. Grandchildren Matthew, Morgan, Ryan, Madison, Tyler, Lars, Emily, Hayley, Hannah, Elliott, Jordon, James, Holly, and Amber. His beloved brother Tom Osterloh, sister Marjorie, and numerous loving nieces and nephews also survive Karl. After retiring from the U. S. Army, Karl started a successful Oakland, CA based commercial construction company and completed many projects in the San Francisco Bay Area including the restoration of the Doe Library at his alma mater, UC Berkeley. Karl was a long time member and past president of the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club. He served on the Board of Governor's of the LMBC, the LMBC Charitable Foundation, and was past president and served many years on the Board of Directors of Children's Fairyland. He was a strong, active supporter and devoted much of his time and energy to his beloved Children's Fairyland in Oakland, CA for over 40 years. Many of his daughters, and grandchildren were Children's Fairyland Personalities at the park. He spent many a day at the park helping with various projects. Once retired he donated over 2500 hours of his time supervising the reconstruction of the now beautiful entrance plaza of the park. Karl could accomplish anything he set his mind to. He will be remembered by hundreds as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather (papa) and friend. He had an infectious laugh and sense of humor. You could always count on him for a joke (Laurel and Hardy his favorite), his presence would fill a room with laughter and love and if you were lucky enough he would pull out his trusty harmonica and play a tune. If ever any of his family or friends needed help with a construction project Karl was there to lend his expertise and a hand. Karl was an active member of the "Grandfather's Club" serving most recently as Secretary, he had a long association with the Boy Scouts of America, and was active with the University of California Alumni Association, Executive Board, UC Berkeley, Class of 1954. Karl enjoyed all sports, especially racquetball, which he played regularly, he was an avid supporter of all CAL athletics, and was a long time usher for CAL basketball. Karl's spirit will always live in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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