Rev. Arthur August David Oswald

Rev. Arthur A. Oswald, 100, was received into his heavenly home on Friday, June 14, 2024. He died peacefully at Morning Star Village in Rockford, Illinois, surrounded by his loving wife of 76 years, Jane, and other family members. Art was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a dear friend to countless people. He was deeply devoted to his family and left behind a legacy of faith and love that will forever be cherished.

Art was born on August 21, 1923, in Pulcifer, Wisconsin, where his father served as pastor. He followed his father into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, graduating from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1947, and then serving congregations in LaValle, Granton, and Chili, Wisconsin, Webster City, Iowa, and Rochelle, Illinois, before retiring in 1988. Following retirement, Art and Jane lived in Grafton, Wisconsin for four years before moving to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where they resided for the next 32 years until recently settling at Morning Star Village.

An avid sports fan, Art passionately followed – and attended many games – of his favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. Though unable to watch because of serious eye problems over the past few years, his radio was his constant companion during Cub games. He was also a man with a unique sense of humor, which he continued to share until the very end, even keeping the nurses and other caregivers in laughter during his final days.

Art’s love for the Lord, his care for his family, and his service to the congregations that he served was demonstrated throughout his life. The importance of the relationships that he established with so many people and the joy that he felt in preaching the Gospel and leading others to their Savior, was constantly expressed on a daily basis.

Art is survived by his wife, Jane, his daughter, Sandra Nun of Austin, Texas, son, Mark (Rita) of Conklin, Michigan, daughter, Deborah (Rick) Wagner, of Roscoe, Illinois, daughter, Susan (Greg) Finke, of St. Paul, Minnesota, daughter, Mary (Jeff) Dorth of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one brother, Rev. Wallace Oswald, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton, Wisconsin, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 12:00 PM, with visitation at the church from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Cemetery with a luncheon at the church taking place after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Arthur to the Dr. Orval Oswald Endowment Fund at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, the Meals on Wheels organization, or a charity of your choice.