Gunnar Maxim Osterberg

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — Gunnar Maxim Osterberg was born on March 10, 1932, in Ironwood, Mich. He passed away on Aug. 10, 2017, in Mission Viejo.

At the young age of 16 years, his parents moved Gunnar to California. They settled in the city of Burbank where Gunnar finished high school, graduating in 1950. He worked in the aerospace industry until he was drafted into the U.S. Army infantry at age 20 to serve in the Korean War. He was an infantry combat veteran on Heartbreak Ridge, and on Outpost Queen in front of Christmas Hill. He survived the fighting while on an outpost in front of the MLR at war’s end.

After his service, Gunnar was to spend near 40 years in specialty steel mill sales, (stainless and hi-temperature alloys) working for Allegheny Ludlum and Eastern Stainless Steel. He was the regional sales manager for Eastern Stainless covering all the Western States. He ended his career with his own manufacturing representative business representing, Lukens Steel and Bethlehem Steel. He retired at age 67 and began writing articles for military newsletters, magazines and his hometown newspaper. He wrote a book and co-authored another. He was an avid golfer and had his first hole in one at age 77, and his second hole-in-one at the age of 80.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Novinger Osterberg, the love of his life. They were married 62 years. Also surviving are two children, Eric and Ingrid; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was cremated as wished. Per his request, no memorials are planned.

Gunnar’s obituary was written by none other than himself.