John Oswald's Obituary
John Joseph Oswald, 88, passed away at his home on Monday, March 28, 2022, 8 days before his 89th birthday. He was born in Minden City, Michigan on April 5, 1933 to the late Raymond and Sarah Oswald.
One knew when John, or “Coach,”entered a room even if not hard of hearing. He told the best stories and had a great personality. He had a presence, some people call it. One either loved John or he drove you crazy. One consistent trait, however, was his ability to find something in common with anyone. To make conversation with complete strangers was a gift he had and it was admired.
Most of John’s adult life was spent as a teacher helping students and student-athletes. If one was lucky enough to have been coached by him the terms THERE IS NO “I” IN TEAM, STRIKE 3, YOU’RE OUT, GO TO THE HOOP, REBOUND and HANDS UP are indelible in your minds. If you knew John these were the words that he used for over 40 years.
John retired from teaching and coaching after 30 years. His last 27 years were spent working at Chippewa Hills High School in Remus, Michigan. However, he did miss his students and Chip Hills wanted to hire him back so he spent another 10 years teaching and mentoring. After retirement John was a baseball umpire for many years.
He loved his Michigan State Spartans, and all sports in general, but his love was basketball. John and his best friend, Richard Woodworth – Woody – bought property together establishing a hunting cabin known as “The Ritz” and an annual golf outing. John was well known for his antique tractors that he and his brother, Robert Oswald, took to the Buckley Old Engine Show every August for 20 years, what fun we had.
John was a member of St Michael’s Catholic Church in Remus, Michigan for many years.
John was united in marriage to Sandra Cortner (Sandy) on August 19, 1995. John loved to travel. In the last 10 years John and Sandy traveled in a motor home and antiqued to the point we couldn’t sleep in the motor home because it was so full.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 26 years, Sandy, his children, Julie Oswald, Joel Oswald and Janna Oswald, his brother Robert Oswald of St Clair Shores, Michigan. He also has 11 grandchildren, Claire, Lily and Grace Topalian, Casey Magnan, Joel Jr., Jarred, Jordan and Hannah Oswald, and Jerome Jones, father of Michael and Tyler Jones. There are also 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.
He also has 2 step sons, Scott & Chad Cortner and 2 step grandchildren, Katelyn and Kyle Cortner. John is preceded in death by his, parents, Raymond and Sarah Oswald, his first wife, Jean Oswald, mother of his three children, sisters Mary Messing and Shirley Booms, his brothers James Oswald, Father Ray Oswald, and Richard Oswald.
John served in the Korean conflict in the 39th 2D Infantry of the U.S. Army from December 1, 1954 to November 24, 1956.
A Resurrection Mass will be held Saturday, April 2nd at 11:00 with open visitation at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Remus, Michigan.
Family only visitation will be Friday, April 1st from 4:00 to 5:00 at Janowicz Family Funeral Home, followed by open visitation from 5:00 to 7:30 with Rosary at 7:30.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s School.
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