Rev. Robert M. Oswald

Robert Magnus Oswald of Cedarburg, WI, received his long-awaited crown of eternal life on Thursday, December 14, 2017, after 86 years of God’s amazing grace and blessings here on earth. Robert was born to Kurt F. and Myra C. (Otto) Oswald at home on June 8, 1931, in Weyauwega, WI. He became a child of God when he was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church by Pastor Henzel where his father was serving as a teacher and principal, and where he himself would later receive his first call and serve in ministry. Due to illness, he confirmed his faith in Jesus as his Savior at home, instead of in church, by Pastor Eggert of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI. His memory verse was Psalm 86:11 - “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” He was a 1949 graduate of Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown, WI. In 1953 he graduated Northwestern College in Watertown, WI. He continued his ministerial education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, and graduated in 1957. He served his vicar year at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, (Newtonburg) Manitowoc, WI, where he also met the love of his life, Janet Huebner. They were married there on June 2, 1957. Robert’s first call assignment was to serve in the teaching ministry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School in Weyauwega, WI, teaching Gr. 5-6. During this time their only child Annette was born. In 1962 he began teaching at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI teaching Religion, Latin and German. He served as the pastor of the dual parishes of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Crandon, WI, and Christ Lutheran, Hiles, WI, and later at St. John’s Lutheran, (Town Grover) Peshtigo, WI. From there to retirement he served as the assistant to the librarian at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. Throughout his life he served on various committees and boards relating to churches and Christian education. As he began semi-retirement and well into retirement both he and Janet faithfully volunteered in Annette’s classroom at Our Savior Lutheran School in Grafton for over 15 years where the students fondly called them Grandpa and Grandma Oswald. In many ways his ministry didn’t even stop once he got to Lasata Care Center’s Memory Care Unit. Family was often told that he would openly share his love for Jesus and also his concern for those who didn’t know Jesus as their Savior. He was often referred to as Pastor Bob there. He deeply loved his family and made family devotions a priority each day and left a legacy of faith for all. He also enjoyed singing hymns and choral selections in parts, listening to classical music, gardening, reading and journaling. Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janet; a daughter, Annette Diener; grandchildren Jacob (Renae) Diener and Anna Diener; sister, Marian Biedenbender; sister-in-law, Rachel Huebner; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; sister-in-law, Barbara Oswald; brothers-in-law, Ralph Huebner and Gerhard Biedenbender; and son-in-law, Richard Diener. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Alone Lutheran Church – Calvary Campus, in Thiensville, on Friday, December 22. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Christ Alone beginning at noon on Friday. Pastor Kurt Ebert will officiate. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts be directed to Christ Alone Lutheran Church, Thiensville; Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon; or Our Savior Lutheran School, Grafton. Robert’s family extends special thanks to the pastoral staff of Christ Alone, Ken Krueger and other dear family and friends who took time to visit Robert, and to the caring staff of Lasata Care Center’s Memory Unit for all their prayers, patience, kindness and support shown to him and to them. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. Revelation 2:10 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 Ohne das Kreuz, gibt es keine Krone! Without the cross there is no crown!