1941
Gary
2025
Gary Oswald
October 3, 1941 — December 7, 2025
Gary Oswald Sr. was born on October 3, 1941, in Chicago and passed away surrounded by family on December 7, 2025, at his home in Rockford, Illinois. He was the beloved husband of Emily Rose (nee Hojnosz) for 60 years and a loving father to the late Garen Parker, Kelly (Lonny) Terzo, Jennifer Oswald, Christa (Chris) Taylor, Denise (Lisa) Frietag, and Gary Oswald, Jr.
Gary was a cherished grandfather to Nick (Deanne) Terzo, Lonny (Nicole) Terzo, Jamie (Michael) Czarnecki, and Joe (Kristol) Terzo. He was a loving Papa to CJ (Kortney) Taylor, Nick (Nicole) Taylor, Jeff (Carly) Taylor, Dana Esp, Samantha (Patrick) Kempster, Jake Esp, Leila Esp, Noah Oswald, Ava Oswald, Donovan Frietag, Quinn Frietag, and Brody Oswald, and a Big Papa to Charlotte, Kora, Nolan Oz, Lucy, and Logan.
He was the dear son of the late John and Betty (nee Magers) Oswald and a fond brother of Deb Oswald, as well as the late Terry Oswald and Donna Oswald.
Gary was not only a devoted husband and a caring father, grandfather, and papa, but he was also a cherished friend to many. He approached life with resilience and determination. Many referred to him as a "wizard of knowledge", as he became an expert in everything he pursued. As an entrepreneur, he dedicated himself to providing for his family, always striving to create a better life for them.
Gary had a passion for his family, fishing, and racing cars, relishing the thrill and camaraderie that came with those pursuits. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and the memories he created will forever remain in our hearts.
The family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
Gary was a cherished grandfather to Nick (Deanne) Terzo, Lonny (Nicole) Terzo, Jamie (Michael) Czarnecki, and Joe (Kristol) Terzo. He was a loving Papa to CJ (Kortney) Taylor, Nick (Nicole) Taylor, Jeff (Carly) Taylor, Dana Esp, Samantha (Patrick) Kempster, Jake Esp, Leila Esp, Noah Oswald, Ava Oswald, Donovan Frietag, Quinn Frietag, and Brody Oswald, and a Big Papa to Charlotte, Kora, Nolan Oz, Lucy, and Logan.
He was the dear son of the late John and Betty (nee Magers) Oswald and a fond brother of Deb Oswald, as well as the late Terry Oswald and Donna Oswald.
Gary was not only a devoted husband and a caring father, grandfather, and papa, but he was also a cherished friend to many. He approached life with resilience and determination. Many referred to him as a "wizard of knowledge", as he became an expert in everything he pursued. As an entrepreneur, he dedicated himself to providing for his family, always striving to create a better life for them.
Gary had a passion for his family, fishing, and racing cars, relishing the thrill and camaraderie that came with those pursuits. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and the memories he created will forever remain in our hearts.
The family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Oswald, please visit our flower store.
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