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Robert Osterberg Obituary
Five days a week come rain or shine, Bob would interview celebrities, community leaders and dignitaries in his airplane flying over the valley he loved so much. At 86 years old, Bob still loved to fly and spent many days volunteering at the Palm Springs Air Museum. He was an airplane "junkie" and would talk hours about airplanes and aeronautics in general.
Bob grew up and went to school in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Bob attended Bob Jones University in Greenville NC and earned his master's degree in communications in 1953. Prior to graduating from college, Bob dabbled in everything "radio" growing up. At age 16 he was hired to play "Oggie", a character on a radio show called "A Date With Judy." He played that part for three years. Bob joined the Marine Corps after college and was stationed in Hollywood, CA. He was in charge of radio and television during his service with the Marine Corps. He was the voice and personality behind "Dress Blues" a show which earned an Emmy nomination in the mid-50s. Whatever Bob did, he did with enthusiasm, wit and a love for life. To say he had a tremendous sense of humor is an understatement. We are all better off having known Bob. He left us with much more than he took.
Bob's family consisted of his loving wife Joanne Osterberg who passed in 2003. Bob is survived by his 6 children, Rob Osterberg, Bill Pennington, Steve Pennington, Douglas Osterberg, Randall Osterberg and Ronwyn Osterberg. Additionally, Bob has 12 incredible grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and his special "lady friend" who all loved him very much.
Bob died with dignity, strength and honor. He will ever remain in our hearts for his fierce and courageous battle to remain with his friends and family the last days of his life. May his soul continue to soar peacefully. Heaven just added a wonderful angel to their ranks.
Fly On Red Baron!
A memorial service will be held, the date is still to be determined. If you are interested in attending please e-mail our family at [email protected]
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Osterberg
Keith Farr
December 17, 2019
I met Bob In Idaho Falls. Working for K -UPI as staff announcer and sales. Long association even Into California In 1968 we both kept In contact...One of the most Inspirational broadcasters and Innovate on AM FM radio. Ahead of his time. Keith B. Farr. Broadcast Production. Golden Pacific radio network...
Rob McWilliams
April 27, 2016
Bob was our station announcer in San Francisco KOFY TV20. He then became my announcer for my production company voicing many iconic Bay Area TV commercials. I loved flying into Palm Springs to do our VO sessions. It was obligatory that I fly with him on his morning traffic reports! Memories I will treasure. Bob was a true gentleman and friend!
Donald Cohen
April 7, 2016
I am saddened to just hear this news. Bob gave me my first job in radio at KCHV back in the late 70s. I idolized the man, even though I only worked with the Red Baron for a few months I was hired as a salesman, an occupation I have always loathed, but could not get on the air at KCHV because I didn't have a 1st Class Ticket (license). Bob had to fire me because I didn't make a sale: "You are the first Jewish guy I have ever known who couldn't sell a thing," Bob said (with great sadness). Meanwhile, his lovely wife Joanne wept, having just set me up with a nice Jewish girl in town. Richard Bobeck -- one of the DJs -- tried to talk me into staying. He said he would tutor me so I could pass the test for the 1st Class License, and Bob had agreed to rehire me if I could pass it. I left anyway, but never forgot this on-air genius who was a gentle and loving man. You are flying in the Heavens, Red Baron -- side by side with your loving wife, Joanne. By the way, Bob -- I went on to direct the news operations of about 10 transmitters on both coast .. and I was darned good on the air, but not half as good as you!
Katrina Osterberg
January 30, 2016
We will be holding a memorial service for Bob on February 26 between 12-2 pm at Bermuda Dunes Airport 79880 Ave 42 Bermuda Dunes CA
January 30, 2016
We Will be holding a memorial service for Robert Osterberg on February 26 from 12-2 pm Bermuda Dunes Airport 79880 Ave 42 Bermuda Dunes CA
larry thom
January 19, 2016
worked with bob for about 16 years(early 70s- mid 80s).
was so very sad to here of his passing but I know he will be forever flying high above the Coachella valley that he loved so much.
Donald Bolas
January 17, 2016
When I moved from the East Coast to our beautiful Coachella Valley in the mid-70's my early introduction was a "Red Baron" flight and several appearances on his radio talk show. Largely thanks to Bob I soon felt right at home and looked forward to our occasional encounters. Bob's personality was enlivening, humorous and always memorable.
Often when I hear the sound of a light aircraft engine overhead I'm mindful of our "Red Baron", who by now is flying the heavens at a much higher altitude.
Vernon Avery
January 15, 2016
Have a good flight to Gods Airport Bob, I enjoyed being on several of your Flights and a wonderful communicator you were. Nice to have met you in my life time, R.I.P
Scott Gorges
January 14, 2016
To the Family.
I ran into Bob back last year and he had not changed at all.
I remember when he would come into the Radio Station offices on 6th Street in Coachella, he was such a loving person and would spend time with you, even at that time I was a snot nose kid. My dad Rodney and my Grandfather Ed (The Old Man) enjoyed having Bob around. I know that even up to the last days his heart was in the Air with his plane.
Our heart goes out to the family.
The Gorges Family.
January 13, 2016
Bob's wonderful outlook on life will be missed at The Air Museum. He never had a down day. We all share your loss. Sincerely, Bob Toth, Crew Chief, Pacific Hanger
Walt Laffranchini
January 12, 2016
I flew with him a couple of times in the 80's. What an experience. His dynamic personality will be missed!
January 11, 2016
Bob ws such a special man and an added addition to our lives for the past 10 years. Fly on Red Baron! We will miss your wonderful laugh, great voice and sharing wonderful stories and adventures with you and mom. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family and those who loved him.
Andrew & Steve
Joanie Croteau
January 11, 2016
Bobdad will be seriously missed. Will absolutely miss the shenanigans in Telluride. I think Joanne had one up on him there. Between the 'lets cook with butter'and leaving everyone butt naked outside in 30 degree temps while throwing their clothes over the railing was epic!
Celia Rennie
January 10, 2016
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Bob. I had certainly enjoyed the time we spent together since our families were tied together by marriage. I know he will be missed by many people. Celia Rennie
Dawn Kerr
January 10, 2016
It wouldn't be morning without hearing him on the radio when I was a kid.
Roger Mann
January 10, 2016
IT's been many years since stories were swapped, and oocasional white lies told....My sincere condolences to the family.
Tory Rogerson
January 10, 2016
Hats off to the Red Baron!
My father and I rode with Bob on Feb. 16, 1981. It was a wonderful time taking off from Bermuda Dunes airport, viewing the much smaller Coachella Valley and being on the air with him. I still have the "Air Watch" recorded cassette - although no recorder to play it on today.
May you fly high in the sky above our wonderful valley.
Linda Vivian
January 10, 2016
"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth...put out my hand and touched the face of God." (John Gillespie Magee)
Indeed, my friend. Vaya con Dios
Linda
Patricia Curry
January 10, 2016
"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? it is the same the angels breathe." (Mark Twain) Fly high Bob
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