George James Oster died peacefully on February 7, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on September 9, 1944 to parents George and Helen Oster in Nashville. He grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Drake University with a degree in English. George began his career as a junior and senior high teacher and later a 4-H and Youth Leader for Iowa State University Extension. In 1970, he began a new career as full-time fire fighter and fire inspector in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1972 he was appointed the first full time fire chief of the West Des Moines Fire Department. During those years, he also added formal fire science education by completing a fire science degree.

In 1977, George combined his fire service experience and educational background when he joined the Fire Service Institute of Iowa State University. During his 23-year career with the Institute, he was a Fire Service Education Specialist, Chief Instructor and led the Institute for 5 years as Executive Officer. During 1979-80, he was assigned to the United States Fire Administration to develop and teach the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) for Health Care Facilities. Following that year, George continued until 2019 to teach and consult the Life Safety Code and FSES. George’s hobbies included amateur radio, fishing (especially bass fishing), kayaking, and travel.

George is survived by children, George V. Oster of Cedar Rapids, Nathaniel (Sasha) Oster of Marion, and Jessica Oster of Waukee. Beloved grandchildren are Gray and Audie Oster. He is also survived by sister, Susan (David) Hayes. 

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 23 at Green Hills Retirement Community, 2200 Hamilton Drive, Ames, in the Community Room. George’s family would like to thank the staffs of Green Hills Health Care Center and Suncrest Hospice for their attentiveness, compassion, and competence in supporting and caring for George during a long and difficult time. 

Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Firefighter’s Memorial Park, c/o Mike Reuman, PO Box 7, Traer, IA 50675.

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