Jon Oswald

With joyful hope in the resurrection, the family of Jon Douglas Oswald, age 76, announces that he was welcomed into his heavenly home by our Lord early Monday morning, September 7, 2026. 

Jon was born on January 17, 1950, in Geneva, Nebraska, to Simon and Irene (Kuhns) Oswald. After graduating from Shickley High School in 1968, Jon studied at Hesston Jr. College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Nebraska in 1972. Jon married the love of his life, Sandy Eberspacher, on March 14, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and went on to have two children, Cassie and Luke. Jon accepted Jesus as his Savior while attending Salem Mennonite Church. Their spiritual family included the body of believers at Christ Place, Lincoln Berean, and Millcreek Community Church. 

Jon is deeply missed by his wife, Sandy (Eberspacher) Oswald; children, Cassie Isaacson (Chris) of Shawnee, Kansas, and Luke Oswald of Kearney, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Claire (Micah) Dick of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Ava Isaacson of Nashville, Tennessee, and Grace and Noah Isaacson of Shawnee, Kansas; sister-in-law, Betty Oswald of Florida; and numerous family and friends.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Irene Oswald; sisters, Betty Gratopp and Bess Liversidge; brothers, Robert and Roland Oswald; brother-in-law, Les Gratopp; sister-in-law, Norma Oswald; and nephew, Mike Oswald. 

Jon enjoyed jazz and a quiet afternoon fly-fishing. Only patient people who appreciate “the process” of things can relish erratic musical notes and fish. He also enjoyed traveling and following the kids many activities. Jon’s slowness to speak and the way he engaged the overlooked person in the room reflected a godly patience beyond his hobbies. There was much wisdom in both his written and spoken words. Jon was so settled and satisfied in Jesus that, when life’s process became painful, he kept the course. He spent his final days in the same way he spent his life, thanking God and blessing others. 

Jon treasured his wife of 51 years, as well as the children and grandchildren God gave them. His small, but strong-for-its-size grin brightened the front row of every concert, school play, and sporting event. Jon labored in hidden, regular prayer on his family’s behalf. He cared about the nations and gave generously to overseas gospel work. He wanted his family, friends, and the world to know about God’s grace that saved him from all his sins and has carried him joyfully home. As the song, “My Jesus I Love Thee” suggests, Jon loved the Lord with every breath “lendest,” even his last.

A funeral service will be held on October 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Millcreek Community Church (7825 Gleason Road, Shawnee, Kansas). Flowers can be sent to Millcreek Community Church. Donations to be designated at a later time.