Vesper Blaine Oswald, 87, of St. Joseph, MO went to be with his beloved Heavenly Father on August 31, 2023. He was born on July 25, 1936, in Beaver Crossing, NE to Jacob and Mabel Oswald. He graduated from Beaver Crossing High School in 1954.
After completing IW Service, he married Janice Roth on May 21, 1959. Ves completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Nebraska in 1965 and received his certification as a physical therapist at the University of Kansas in 1966.
Ves and Jan raised three sons while he worked as a physical therapist in Missouri and Illinois before returning to St. Joseph to work at Methodist Medical Center from 1969-1984. After working as a home health physical therapist in Kirksville, MO from 1984-1991, he returned to St. Joseph until his retirement in 2001.
For Ves, Jesus was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, leading to his being active in the many churches in which he served as a member. He loved to share his patented hugs with his brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and friends across the country while sharing the love of Jesus. Once he became a grandparent, his capacity for joy increased exponentially. This was especially evident in the creative nicknames he bestowed on each that they continue to cherish. It was more proof of Ves being a man of God who could be trusted to support all those that he loved. His humor, love and laughter will be missed — but never forgotten.
Ves was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Mabel as well as his older sisters Darlene and Jeannine and his younger brother Ron. He is survived by his wife Jan, his sons Jim (Julie), Jay (Heather), and Rich (Torrie), his grandchildren Jill (Cameron), Jenna, Josh, Charles (Sierra), Luke, Gwendolyn, Addie, and Grant, and his great-grandchildren Evie and Tatum.
The family will host visitation for friends and family from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 7 at Grace Calvary Chapel, 5103 South 50th Street, St. Joseph. A memorial service will also be held at 10:00 am on Friday, September 8 at Grace Calvary Chapel. All are welcome to attend both.
