Janet Ostermann

Janet Ostermann, 82, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. No memorial services are planned.

Janet Ostermann was born in Titonka on August 20, 1943 to Henry and Myrtle (Harrenga) Plaisier. She was baptized and confirmed at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Titonka. She graduated from Titonka Consolidated School in 1961 and married Robert Ostermann on June 10, 1961 at Good Hope Lutheran Church. After Bob graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, they moved to Los Angeles in 1962.

Jan was a longtime member of Teamsters Local 399 and worked as a driver on dozens of high-profile film and television projects. Her kind nature and organizational skills helped keep these productions moving through the complex and often chaotic days and nights of filming. She worked alongside Academy Award and Emmy winners as well as countless below-the-line crew members, always lightening their loads with a pleasant smile. Jan also worked for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, ensuring that all athletes made it to their events on time. Her love of her work and good nature made those around her happier and better for having worked alongside her.

During her spare time—and sometimes even on set—and later during retirement, Jan had a passion for quilt making. From creating quilts for crew members and new babies to entering them in various competitions, she was always working on more than one project at a time. Jan was an inspiration to the quilting community and made memorable friendships with fellow quilting enthusiasts who shared her love of the craft.

Jan is survived by her sister Joyce (Welsh); her daughter Wanda, grandchildren Sam and Anne, and great-grandchild Jakob; her daughter Wende, son-in-law Robert, grandchildren Kyle and Zackary, and great-grandchildren Louie and Stella. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert and her parents Henry and Myrtle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.