Mary M. Oswald

Mary M. Oswald, age 96 of Evansville and formerly of Viroqua, died Friday, January 16, 2009. Mary Margaret (Connelly) Oswald age 96, of Evansville and formerly of Viroqua passed away on January 16, under the watchful care of family and Evansville Manor Nursing Home staff. She was born in Crawford County on June 10, 1912 to Tim and Jane (Phalin) Connelly. She worked from 1930-42 for the State Sparta School/Home for Girls as a caretaker. She was united in marriage to Clayton Oswald on January 26, 1942 in Rising Sun. They lived in Viroqua for many years, where they owned and operated the Oswald Plumbing & Heating business and raised their four children. She worked for Lucus Jewelry Store in Viroqua and the Vernon County Social Services as a Homemaker. They resided in Waupun from 1969-94 where Clayton was employed at the Waupun Correctional Institute. They moved back to Viroqua in 1994 and then relocated to Evansville in 2002 to be close to their three daughters. She was a lifetime member of the Running, Johnson, Ray Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post No. 3032. Mary was a generous and caring mother, aunt and grandmother. Her home was open to many including relatives and foster children who will always remember her kindness and generosity. She was endowed with a great sense of humor appreciated by all who knew her. When Irish eyes are smiling, the world smiles with you. She is survived by her daughters Judy McCormick of Beloit, Connie Olson of Brooklyn, Mary Jo Oswald of Oregon; daughter-in-law Kay (John) Oswald of St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law Regina Connelly; four grandchildren Shawn (Mika) McCormick, Kevin (Sheila) McCormick, Matthew Oswald, Emily (Troy) Law; a step grandson Steve (Pat) Olson; four great grandsons Logan, Gavin, Ian and Kyle McCormick and four step-great grandsons Kody Amundson, Chad Langer, Alex and Grayson Larson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Clayton A. Oswald in 2006; a son John (Jack) Oswald; three brothers Jim, Joe and Paul Connelly; son-in-law Patrick McCormick; two infant grandchildren and a step-daughter Lori (Olson) Langer. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church. Fr. Robert J. Cook will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday after 10:00 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.