Life on earth ended for Elizabeth Ann Oswald on April 24, 2025 at the age of 84 with a glad heart full of love for family, and with a strong faith in God.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Almond, WI. Rev. John Swing will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org
Elizabeth (Betty) was born on September 1, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. The oldest daughter of eight children, Betty always cherished the lifelong friendships and shared experiences she had with her siblings. Betty graduated from Academy of Our Lady High School in 1958. Following graduation, she worked as a clerk for the Cooper Jarrett trucking company. In the spring of 1956, Betty met the love of her life, Charles Oswald, at a dance at St. Sabina Church. She was, and continued to be, “the most beautiful girl” he’d ever seen. Betty married Chuck on December 19, 1959 and started a family in the Chicago area.
In 1974, with their six children and a Shetland pony in tow, Betty and Chuck moved to Almond, Wisconsin. Once there, Betty rolled up her sleeves and joined Chuck in building a home, running the “farm,” and embracing rural life on their picturesque 40-acres. In 1976, with all her children in school, Betty realized her role as a stay-at-home mother was changing and decided to take a position as an administrative assistant at Waupaca Middle School. Betty took great pride in her professional career, providing technical and organizational support to staff and students. She was fondly referred to as “Office Betty” by her colleagues, and was considered a valued friend to all.
In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, and dedicated to her profession, Betty appreciated the beautiful things in life: her extensive flower gardens; colorful birds visiting her multiple feeders; china & Waterford crystal; jewelry and fashion; and signed artwork of all kinds including watercolors, prints, and of course, handmade cards from her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
After 45 years of rural life, Betty and Chuck downsized to an acre lot in a suburb of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. In their new surroundings, Betty took to a new hobby of “saling” - the art of treasure hunting at estate and garage sales.
Throughout her life, Betty maintained her classic sense style; her love of many genres of music; her enthusiasm as a Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan; her enjoyment of books, news, and interesting facts; the pleasure of a nice cup of tea; her fondness for anything chocolate; her exhilaration behind the wheel of her Honda Accord; her participation in “Girls’ Weekends & Christmas cookie baking with her daughters; her excitement about celebrating all holidays & family events; her accomplished cooking & sewing skills; and her thoughtfulness in giving the perfect gift.
The most important things to Betty were her family and her faith. Her 65 years of marriage to Chuck, her close relationships with all of her children, and her never-ending interest in all things concerning her grandchildren and great grandchildren are perfect examples of the depth of her love and commitment. Betty’s Christian faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary helped guide her through life’s joys and challenges.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Lauretta Moorman, her brother David Moorman, and her brother James Moorman.
Betty is survived by her husband, Charles E. Oswald and their children: Charles D. Oswald (Sandy), Loretta Rorabeck (Patrick), Stephen Oswald, Jeanne Rivera (Hector), Barbara Oswald, and Colette Berres. Additionally, Betty is survived by 13 grandchildren: Alex Oswald, Monica Oswald, Matthew Oswald, Jacob Oswald, Michael Oswald, Brian Rorabeck, Kevin Rorabeck, Tommy Rorabeck, Natalie Rivera, Sean Rivera, Nicholas Federer, Mason Berres, Halle Berres; and 8 great grandchildren: Adelyn Oswald, Kolton Oswald, Riley (Oswald) Kelm, Jacob Oswald, Harvey Rorabeck, Callen Rorabeck, Will Rorabeck, and Oliver Rorabeck.
