Robert W. Oswald

Robert W. “Bob” Oswald, 85, of Sparta, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, June 13, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born on June 4, 1939 to Harvey E. and Dorothy M. Oswald. Bob graduated from Sparta High School and attended Milwaukee School of Engineering. He was drafted in 1962 and stationed in Germany. It was in Bad Kissingen, Germany where he met Erika or as Bob called her, “the prettiest girl in town”. Bob and Erika were married on August 29, 1963. Shortly after marriage, they moved back to Sparta where Bob worked at Northern Engraving until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, Ham radios, radio-controlled airplanes, model railroad, his John Deere tractor and his family. After Bob’s death, a family friend described him as a real family man and that he was. He was our Mr. Fix-it, our advice giver, our historian and our problem solver. We will miss him for the rest of our days. 

Bob is survived by his son, Toby (Joanna) Oswald of Sparta; his grandkids, Tanner (special friend Natalie Schulz) and Macey Oswald of Sparta; his brother, Paul (Nancy) of Sparta; cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Erika; his parents, Harvey and Dorothy; and brothers, Donnie and Harv Jr. 

Bob’s family wishes to thank the Gundersen Hospice care team and all of Bob’s doctors and nurses for their quality care, support and guidance. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at The Venue, 211 N. Black River Street in Sparta. There will be a private family burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the JD Olson Memorial Foundation at Citizens First Bank in Sparta, WI. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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