George Nels Osterson

George Nels Osterson, 98, of Clarion and formerly of Fort Dodge passed away Monday, March 11, 2013 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. A private graveside service is planned at this time at Corpus Christi Cemetery with Rev. Nils Hernndez officiating. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family. George is survived by his wife, Ireene; nieces, Bonnie Johnson and Drucie Miline; nephews, Aldrich and Charlie Richard and Don Osterson. George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sophia Osterson; son, George W; and nephew, Robert Richard. George was born June 12, 1914 at Ruthven. He was the son of George W. and Sophia Osterson. After graduating from Ruthven High School he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He soon was the foreman in the CCC camp. In 1939, George and Ireene Walsh were united in marriage at the St. John Catholic Church. George was a technician for the Soil Conservation Service and took a leave of absence to enlist in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir where he became a sergeant and trained new recruits. After his honorable discharge George later was assigned Coshocton, OH. This is where he helped establish a training center to teach new SCS employees. He acted as the assistant training officer at the research station in Coshocton. This training covered 22 states of employees. While in Ohio and as a member of the American Legion, George was commander of Post 65 and a district commander in Ohio. George then was relocated to Upper Darby, PA and then later to the SCS office in Washington, DC. In the Washington SCS office George was awarded the "Outstanding Employee" award presented by Mr. Butt's, the Secretary of Agriculture. Not only did George run national offices he also ran one from his home in Iowa and from 1937 to 1939 George worked with the Bureau of Agricultural Engineering. After forty-two years with the federal government George decided to retired. George was a recognized trainer. In this capacity he has made an invaluable contribution to the career development of thousands of employees. His leadership for safety and health programs has been outstanding. After retirement George and his family moved to Fort Dodge. Then they moved to a townhouse at Friendship Haven, then to the Meadows, and later to Clarion, IA. After assisted living George's final place was the nursing home. While living in Fort Dodge George remained a member of the American Legion, NARTE, Association of Retired Soil Conservation Service, Heartland Museum, and St. John's Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and cards; especially bridge, and was an avid reader.