Obituary
Harry Vincent Oster age 80, of DeBary, Florida passed away August 30, 2024. Loving husband of Connie for almost 47 years.
Dearest son of the late Harry Vitalis and Signe Adele, dear brother of the late Sonja (Albert) James, dear brother-in-law of Karen Gonko, cherished uncle of Pamela and Phillip James, Daniel, Lori and the late Christina Gonko.
Harry was born in Detroit, Michigan and lived there from 1944 to 1956 when his family moved to the suburb of St. Clair Shores where he attended South Lake High School, Class of 1961. Afterward he attended Michigan State University from September 1961 until December 1965 completing 3 years toward a degree in Business Administration. He took time off from school and worked 6 months at H.O. Trerice Co. in Detroit, then 4 months at Cross Co. in Detroit, then 6 months at Dodge Truck from August 1966 to February 1967 as a scheduling highlighter.
In April of 1967 Harry joined the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of Staff Sergent and worked in accounting and finance as a General Accounting Specialist. He was stationed at Grissom Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana. Harry also took more business classes at Ball State University while in the Air Force. Upon honorable discharge in February 1971 Harry received the Air Force Commendation Medal for distinguishing himself by meritorious service as stock fund accountant, in the accounting and finance office. His outstanding professional skill, knowledge and leadership added immeasurably in identifying problems in the field of accounting and in developing and implementing accounting systems.
Harry returned to work at Dodge Truck and he began completing his degree at Wayne State University. He started at Wayne State in the fall of 1972 while working full time.
In December 1974 Harry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He worked his way up the ladder at Chrysler Corporation (now Stellantis) and eventually became a supervisor as a Cost Analyst after earning and obtaining a Master’s degree in Business Administration in December 1984. After 34 years at Chrysler Harry retired in March of 2000. He and his wife became “snowbirds” to get away from Michigan Winters, spending winter in Florida and summer through fall at their condo in Harbor Springs, Michigan.
Harry enjoyed playing sports in high school. He played baseball, football, enjoyed a little hockey and bowling. He even shot a perfect 300 game while in High school!
Harry later took up golf enjoying it very much. It led to many wonderful golf trips later in life with his wife and good friends; also, to memberships at the Boyne Country Club in northern Michigan and De Bary Golf and C.C. in Florida where several friendships were made. He enjoyed going to movies (with lots of popcorn) and listening to music, especially jazz and tunes from the 50’s to 70’s. He also enjoyed attending concerts and plays at the Fisher Theater, Orchestra Hall, Meadowbrook and Pine Knob. Trips to New York with plays on and off Broadway were especially enjoyable!
Harry was an avid sports fan and always remained loyal to his favorite Detroit Teams and Michigan State University. He later became an arm chair athlete.
Harry’s parents had a cottage in Lapeer, Michigan. It was and still is “The Vasa Country Club”. This is where many good times were shared with family and friends. Many 4th of July and Labor Day picnics with great food, barbecue and music plus Swedish pancake breakfasts!
Funeral services for Harry will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 in the Chapel at Immanuel Lutheran Church 47120 Romeo Plank Road. Macomb, Michigan 48044 north of 21 Mile Road. Visitation will be 10:30 AM with service and celebration of life to follow at 11:30 am.
This will be followed by a family-style luncheon at the American Polish Cultural Center at 2975 E. Maple Road Troy, Michigan 48083.
In Harry’s memory donations can be made to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate or mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
or T2T “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” at https://t2t.org/donate/manage-your-donation-2/
Ingrid Nylund together with all swedish cousins.