Hey Cousins
You can now log into the news page. Click here to log in.  Your username is your first initial and your last name.  For Example, mine is aoswald.  There may be some duplicates as is the case with my kids Jason and Jessica.  in that case add a number.  Jessica for example is joswald1 and Jason is joswald 2.  Everyone’s password is Spring2013.  Please change it the first time you log in.  If you can’t get it to work, click on the “forgot my password” link and the system will send you what you need.  If you still can’t get it to work, contact me at art@learntitle.com or 551 404 5341.  Please encourage your siblings and children to register on the site.  It is easy to do and will make communicating about family issues much easier.

A new Oswald Reunion website is working. Go to https://oswaldreunion.com and check it out.

Hello Family, The William Oswald Reunion torch leaves British Columbia, Canada, headed south to Nebraska, USA, where once again the family of William and Mattie Oswald will gather to celebrate each other, our heritage and our family history in 2012. What an awesome time in Dawson Creek we had. The Peace River country of B.C. showed us her most beautiful side; lush, green, sunny and warm, the weather couldn’t have been better. A quote from Max Lucado[color=darkblue:4b9385c6be],[i:4b9385c6be] “Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leave you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, Do you like it? I did it just for you.” [/i:4b9385c6be] [/color:4b9385c6be]I’m listening! We had opportunity to reconnect and catch-up, we laughed together, walked together, ate together, perused old and recent photos, shared some burdens, had our pictures taken and put on a CD – (thanks to Teena and Dieters’ generosity), offered for auction items we had created, (it might be a good idea to actually see the item before making your final bid), sang together, rode the rhinos, made memories to revisit next time we meet. We did not get to do the fireside thing due to fire bans in the province. And did I mention that we laughed together and ate together – (thanks to Tara’s expertise). I am grateful that our parents – (William and Mattie’s children) made an effort for our families to get together on occasion. I have no memories of our grandparents but I do have memories of playing with cousins when we made trips to Iowa, Nebraska and Oregon and aunts, uncles and cousins visiting Indiana. Considering the time, distance and financial status of our parents, I am thinking that they valued spending time together and were willing to make the sacrifice. Us first cousins have a history that subsequent generations do not have in the extended family. I plan to work at keeping current the William and Mattie Oswald genealogy so I will be in touch with 1st cousins asking for update data and maybe even make another calendar for auction in 2012. I am also strongly suggesting that each one of us write our biography – (story of our lives) to be included in the genealogy book, thereby giving generations that come after us and/or did not have opportunity to meet us, a glimpse into what our lives were like back in the last half of the 20th century. Excuses like, [i:4b9385c6be]“I can’t write”[/i:4b9385c6be] or [i:4b9385c6be]“my life story is not that interesting” [/i:4b9385c6be]are not valid excuses nor are any other ones that you may come up with, each of us have a unique story. I have an idea for mine, I will be posting it on the website as I go along. You can use the same format. One final host job for the 2009 reunion; We have been in contact with the Dawson Creek Fall Fair and Rodeo Queen and have invited her to the 2012 Oswald Reunion. She tells me that she would like to meet the Nebraska Rodeo queen and knows a few cowboys that compete on the US rodeo circuit that will likely be in the area at that time and would be happy to offer a lunch date with another successful bidder. She tells me that the tall fellow with a big belly and yellow suspenders never did show up at the Alaska Dew Drop Inn for the lunch date he bought; however she tells us as she was waiting for him to show, she did notice bills stuck on the post that indicated some Oswald relatives had been there. Per her recollection – names on those bills: [i:4b9385c6be]John and Monica, Leo and Judy and Dave and Oswald Reunion 2009.[/i:4b9385c6be] For fun and because I like working with lists and statistics: There were: 34 people in attendance – that number includes two guests, Teena (photographer) and Dieter Wedemeyer [u:4b9385c6be]17 grandchildren of William and Mattie’s[/u:4b9385c6be] 11 spouses [u:4b9385c6be] 2 great-grandchildren of William and Mattie’s[/u:4b9385c6be] Sharon Good/Sexsmith 1 spouse Brad Good who came late Sunday night due to work commitments [u:4b9385c6be]1 great-great-grandchild of William and Mattie’s[/u:4b9385c6be] Kalvin Sexsmith All of William and Mattie’s children’s families were represented; [color=darkred:4b9385c6be][b:4b9385c6be]Harold and Ruth’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] Dean and LaVerna Paul and Judy[/color:4b9385c6be] [color=red:4b9385c6be][b:4b9385c6be]Dan and Evelyn’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] Betty and Ray Sharon, Dale and Kalvin Sexsmith Brad Good Tom Art Deb[/color:4b9385c6be] [color=orange:4b9385c6be][b:4b9385c6be]Edna and Willard’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] David and Bonnie [/color:4b9385c6be] [color=brown:4b9385c6be][b:4b9385c6be]Margaret and Reuben’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] Ken Don and Pat Merna Liz[/color:4b9385c6be] [color=indigo:4b9385c6be][b:4b9385c6be]Bertha and Delmar’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] Larry and Bert[/color:4b9385c6be] [color=green:4b9385c6be] [b:4b9385c6be]Bob and Margaret’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] John and Monica Judy and Leo[/color:4b9385c6be] [color=olive:4b9385c6be][b:4b9385c6be]Art and Maxine’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] Bonnie and Dallas Dan and Dianne[/color:4b9385c6be] [color=blue:4b9385c6be] [b:4b9385c6be]Doris and Bob’s family[/b:4b9385c6be] Randy and Arlene[/color:4b9385c6be] [b:4b9385c6be]People came from:[/b:4b9385c6be] California Oregon Washington Utah Nebraska Iowa Indiana New Jersey Isn’t that just AWESOME! The W.Oswald Reunion torch has now left us, is one its way to Nebraska. Hosting the 2009 reunion has been our pleasure! Each of you were courageous to venture far away from home to a foreign country to a place that you had not been to before. What will you remember about your adventure to Dawson Creek, British Columbia? You chose to give us a glimpse into your lives, we are blessed, thanks for doing that. Thank you for loving us; God Bless You Ray and Betty Oswald/Good 2009 W. Oswald Reunion Hosts Having someone to love is family Having somewhere to go is home Having both is a blessing

From 1938 to 1966, 32 grandchildren born to William and Mattie Oswald 19 grandsons – 18 living today 13 granddaughters – 12 living today Grandchildren of William and Mattie (Erb) Oswald
Numbering System continued from the “The Family of Jacob and Margretha Oswald Family Book.” Grandpa Oswald’s number is 5 – (the 5th child of Jacob and Margretha, his children are 5.1 to 5.9.
The next generation continues in the same manner, ie: 5.1.1 – 5.1.2 etc. 1938, October 31st
Merlin Willard Schweitzer 5.3.1 1938, December 22nd
Mary Marlene Schantz 5.4.1- died 12-24-1997 1940, June 17th
Betty June Oswald 5.2.1 1941, June 2nd Bonnie Elaine Oswald 5.7.1 1942, April 1st
Kenneth Arthur Schantz 5.4.2 [b:ede756227a]1942, May 6th –
Grandma Oswald [/color:ede756227a]died, 56 years old – Born May 4th, 1886 – Married February 15th, 1909[/b:ede756227a] 1943, April 15th
Donald Dean Schantz 5.4.3 1943, May 28th
David William Schweitzer 5.3.2 1943, December 18th
Thomas Eugene Oswald 5.2.2 1944, March 1st
Daniel Lee Oswald 5.7.2 1944, May 11th
Merna Margaret Schantz 5.4.4 1945, August 7th
Carol Jean Nitzsche 5.5.1 1946, April 4th
Dean Harold Oswald 5.1.1 [b:ede756227a]1946, October 21st –
Grandpa Oswald [/color:ede756227a]died at 58 years old – Born June 14th, 1888 – Married February 15th, 1909[/b:ede756227a] 1946, December 15th
Larry Lloyd Nitzsche 5.5.2 1947, April 22nd
James Arthur Oswald 5.7.3 1948, October 6th
John David Nitzsche 5.5.3 1948, December 13th
Elizabeth Ann Schantz 5.4.5 1949, October 7th
Paul Curtis Oswald 5.1.2 1949, October 22nd
Deborah Lynn Oswald 5.2.3 1950, July 9th
Curtis Wayne Jantzi 5.9.1- died 02-02-2003 1950, July 12th
Joyce Ann Nitzsche 5.5.4 1950, November 16th
Arthur William Oswald 5.2.4 1952, January 25th
Ronald Eugene Oswald 5.6.1 1952, June 10th
Randal Lynn Jantzi 5.9.2 1953, February 4th
Linda Joy Oswald 5.7.4 1953, September 20th
Stanley William Oswald 5.6.2 1954, July 19th
Wayne Arthur Nitzsche 5.5.5 1955, September 30th
John David Oswald 5.6.3 1957, July 19th
Judith Ann Oswald 5.6.4 1957, December 10th
Roberta Diane Jantzi 5.9.3 1959, September 10th
Janine Margaret Oswald 5.6.5 1963, January 18th
Scott Roy Jantzi 5.9.4 1966, August 17th
Tami Renee Jantzi 5.9.5

(I liked this joke. I thought you would too.!) The Husband Store A brand new store has just opened in New York City that sells Husbands. When women go to choose a husband, they have to follow the instructions at the entrance: You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are 6 floors and the value of the products increase as you ascend the flights. You may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you CANNOT go back down except to exit the building. So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. The 1st floor sign on the door reads: Floor 1: These men have jobs. The 2nd floor sign reads: Floor 2: These men have Jobs and Love Kids. The 3rd floor sign reads: Floor 3: These men have Jobs, Love Kids and are extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going. She goes to the 4th floor and the sign reads: Floor 4: These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and help with Housework. "Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!" Still, she goes to the 5th floor and sign reads: Floor 5: These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, help with Housework and Have a Strong Romantic Streak. She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the 6th floor and the sign reads: Floor 6: You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. To avoid gender bias charges, the store’s owner opens a New Wives store just across the street. The 1st first floor has wives that love sex. The 2nd floor has wives that love sex and have money. The 3rd,4th, 5th and 6th floors have never been visited.

]“The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God has come near….” (Mk. 1:15). [/i:95ac541f62]We hope you have seen signs of God’s reign of shalom in your world in 2007. Our friendship with you is one of those signs, and we are grateful. Here is what has been happening to the Nitzsche family in 2007. [b:95ac541f62]Wayne[/b:95ac541f62] – The highlight was a three month sabbatical, April – June. It was restful and renewing. Mary and I did some training in family systems theory which is useful for personal awareness and to understand how congregations function. I completed home projects and connected with all my siblings and nieces and nephews. How special! I trained and ran the Cleveland Revco half marathon in Cleveland in May. That was a lot of fun and a real sense of accomplishment. The old body can still respond! [b:95ac541f62]Mary[/b:95ac541f62] – The highlights of my year were celebrating Alison’s graduation from Denison University on Mother’s Day and a sabbatical during the summer months. I spent the three months traveling, making a comforter representing four generations; reading, doing some family of origin work; helping Alison find an apartment in Boston and moving her there Labor Day weekend. I was blessed to be able to spend two weeks with my mother. I continue to enjoy mentoring College of Wooster students, offering spiritual direction to a number of different women ages 20+ to 70+, making comforters, and cross stitching. [b:95ac541f62]Mary and Wayne [/b:95ac541f62]– Even as special as it was to be granted sabbaticals, we also received the bad news that, because of financial difficulty, Ohio Conference will reduce Regional Pastor staffing. Wayne will be half time beginning in April. Responsibilities will change under a new job description. Mary and I are asking what this might mean for our future. We invite your prayers. We recently returned from the annual conference minister’s meeting in Oregon. While there, we enjoyed reconnecting with Wayne’s 92 year old aunt and several cousins. [b:95ac541f62]Alison [/b:95ac541f62]graduated in May from Denison University with highest honors. She spent the summer at Yale University serving as a resident director for a summer exploration program. She is now living in Boston working as an assistant director for the non-profit organization who operates this summer program for high school youth. She is enjoying her work, adjusting to two roommates, playing in a woodwind orchestra, and exploring many sites in Boston. [b:95ac541f62] Megan[/b:95ac541f62] is a junior at Denison University. She is a sociology/anthropology major and will study in Morocco second semester. Megan tutors two mornings each week in an elementary school with America Reads program, supervise the Sociology/Anthropology library twice each week, and is a research assistant for one of her professors. She will be a resident director and will teach three classes with Exploration at Yale University next summer. [b:95ac541f62]Katie and Sydney[/b:95ac541f62] – We were saddened at the passing of Katie on March 28. She was a good cat for over fourteen years. 😥 Sydney frequently finds her way to Wayne’s lap for naps. Memorial Day weekend we attended an Erb family reunion in Ohio. Our family vacation was spent at Hilton Head, SC. On the way home, we reconnected with two of our international daughters and the husband of another. Zipporah, David, and Caleb live in Silver Springs, MD, as does Devoki and her husband. Izona is in her third year of medical school at Wake Forest University. Wayne and Mary attended Wayne’s niece, Ann and Chris’ wedding, in Pennsylvania. We also attend the Mennonite convention in San Jose, CA, in July and spent two extra days enjoying the Santa Cruz beach and San Francisco.

Hi to all our wonderful relatives. This is such great fun to read what everyone else is writing and to see the pictures. Thanks to you Art, the brain child and originator of this website, and to all who have shared and those who are going to soon! Other than colds, Dallas & I are feeling just great. We keep busy even though we call ourselves "retired". The best part is we make our own schedules which includes naps frequently! We just returned from a nice trip to Florida, Washington DC and Cary, NC. The fun included a short cruise to Cozumel, touring DC for 3 days and playing with our 2 little grandboys in NC for 6 days. Such fun! My Mom lives in the Pomeroy Care Center. She is quite healthy physically, but her short term memory is gone. She likes her "home". Sherri, Todd & family live in Des Moines. Their 2 boys and a girl are 13, 12, & 11 (we just celebrated the 11 year old’s birthday today). Dean & Carol are the ones in NC with their 5 & 3 year old boys. Mark & Julie will be moving to Katy, TX (Houston area) next week from Des Moines. Isn’t God good? I praise Him for good relationships and for showing us how to love. … and for wonderful relatives like you! Bonnie

Robert B. Oswald, 87, of West Point, died December 14, 2007 at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Stokely Funeral Home with Chaplain Vince Maly officiating. Burial will be at St. Michaels’ Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be made V.F.W. of American Legion. Visitation will be noon until 8:00 p.m. Sunday with family present 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. at Stokely Funeral Home. Robert B. Oswald was born December 25, 1919 at O’Neill, Nebraska to William and Mattie Erb Oswald. When he was two years old the family moved to Cuming County, where he grew up and attended Cuming County schools. Following graduation he spent time in several eastern states before entering the U.S. Army in 1942. Bob was a combat veteran of WWII, having served in the European theatre with the 4th Armored Division. On October 4, 1944 he was wounded in action near the France/Germany border. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds. He returned to the United States and was discharged from service on July l0, 1945. On June 20, 1951 he was united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to Margaret Toelle of West Point. After his discharge from the military service he started work at the local post office. He was a clerk/carrier for 7 years before becoming regular carrier on West Point’s rural route two, a position he held for 26 years. He retired from the postal service in 1978 and immediately started work as Cuming County Veterans Service officer, a position he held for 16 years. During that time he served two terms as president of the state association of County Veterans service officers and 4 years as association secretary. He retired from that office in 1994. Shortly after discharge he became active in veterans affairs and veterans organizations. He assisted in organizing the local post, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was its’ first commander. He later served a term as Nebraska State Commander of the VFW, winning "All American" and "State Commander of the Year" honors. He also served a two year term on the VFW National Council of Administration Board of Directors and on many State and national committees. He was a continuous member of the American Legion and a member and past "Chef DeGare” of the Legions 40 & 8. Bob was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing garden produce with family, friends and neighbors. He was a "Big Red" football fan and enjoyed other sports. Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of West Point, sons Ronald (Marilyn), Stanley, John (Monica) all of Lincoln, Nebraska, daughters Judy (Leo) Meyer of Huntsville, Utah and Janine Rush of Overland Park, Kansas, sister Edna Halsey of Albany, Oregon, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. You can post your thoughts and comments at the following web site: www.stokelyfuneralhome.com

Dear Friends & Family, We’re really
trying to be ahead of the game this holiday season. I’m off to Florida early to
get ready for a really special family Christmas, so cards and letters need to
be out early. Each year seems to go by so quickly, is that a sign of aging or
are we so busy we don’t ‘stop to smell the flowers’ anymore? Casa “O” in Cape
Coral is finally finished. It’s a little bit like camping out, but I’ll get the
necessities ready. *Remember my idea of ‘camping out’ is a Hilton with an
outdoor pool. In December 2006 Jimmy graduated from the U.S. Army School of
Special Forces. He was deployed to Iraq and has returned safe and sound (not
sure how sound, he’s doing high altitude jump school right now…how crazy is
that?). We haven’t seen him yet, so Xmas will be a joyous occasion for us. His
lovely and very supportive girlfriend, Kathleen will also be joining us. We
have really appreciated the love and encouragement she gives him. I’m sure it’s
helped him keep a clear head and an eye to the future. Family support is so
very important! A biggee for 2007 was the move east for the Liebers. Jaime and
Hal decided to move back to the NY/NJ area to be close to family. They both got
jobs in Westchester Cty, north of NYC. They found a great turn-of-the century
Victorian house and have settled in nicely. I haven’t had the luxury of having
“J” close since she was in high school…the pre-Art days. It’s really, really
nice. Jason certainly could be nominated for entrepreneur of the year. His pub
establishment, Constant Spring (www.aconstantspring.com) has really taken off
and become the ‘in’ spot for Goshen. If you’re in the area, stop in for a cool
one, something to eat, and the music. He’s also been to Jamaica a number of
times…even taking a group on a tour. Sonia is living and working in Chicago.
She’s enjoying being on her own. Jessica moved to Miami in 2006 and is having a
great time. She’s a FDA Compliance Officer for a pharmaceutical company. It’s
all about quality control which is so very important to all of us, no matter
what the product. She’s also been doing some traveling in the Caribbean. Derek
and Kim have been kept very busy with their children, their involvement with
Marriage Encounter (as presenters), Derek’s career (lots of travel), and
whatever else comes along. Dagny is in pre-K now and takes tennis lessons. One
thing she loves to do is sing old gospel songs and have her Poppa accompany her
on the mandolin. What a treasure! Luke is a typical 2 yr old…trucks, fire
engines, sirens..if it makes noise, it must be good! Art has spent a lot of
time in front of the computer this past year. He’s been busy setting up online
courses for continuing education credits in the title insurance industry. His
job as the Automation Mgr for the State keeps him very busy doing computer
tech, conducting training seminars, as well as, traveling around the State
working with the agents. He really enjoys his work, because it gives him
satisfaction to make work a little easier for his clients. I’ve heard many
times over, throughout the industry, how much people appreciate him, not just
for his professionalism, but because he’s a ‘really nice guy’. Art’s Midwest
charm is not found very often in NJ! Also, he’s doing web design again,
especially a site for the 2009 Oswald Family Reunion. Check out
www.oswaldreunion.com. Of course, fishing is still high on the ‘must do’ list.
Trips to Canada and fishing off the coast of NJ have been highlights. The
stripers he caught last month in the Highlands are the biggest fish ever…and
they didn’t get away!  Another thing Art has added to his
activities is working out. His doctor said he was on the way to a cardiac event
so it was exercise or else. I must say, he’s been very diligent over the past 2
months…it’s a good thing. I still have the title agency but after 17 years it
would be nice if the ‘title fairy godmother’ would come and take it all away.
Real estate in NJ is in a very bad place in ’07, so we tottle along and look
forward to a better day. I guess my main focus this past year has been Dagny
and Luke. It’s not easy long distance but we try. Art gets to FL to see them as
often as possible. I, on the other hand, well let’s just say I practically know
the flight crews on a first name basis. I still have my dogs (even Shelby at 14
is still kick’in), and I’ve even been trying my hand at digital
scrapbooking…thought it would be fun to run it on the TV at Christmas for all
to watch. Well, I really didn’t think there was much to say…but the page
certainly filled up quick enough. You know everyday we moan and groan about
something..just the nature of the beast. But looking back over the past two
years, it’s really only the good things that stand out. The health and welfare
of our children and how they make us so proud, that’s what’s important. We have
been greatly blessed and always know who to thank. Art and I wish each of you a
very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Love, Art & Sandy Please
keep Jimmy and the other young men and women of the armed forces in your
prayers! 34 Anderson Hill Road Newton, NJ 07860 973-383-9950
sandy@etsnj.com[/color:8c80dbdcce]

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