Allen James Oswald obituary
Our beloved Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Allen James Oswald, age 84, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021 in Madison County, Idaho, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born on April 1, 1937 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Louis Friedrich and Rosie Nef Oswald. He was the youngest of 4 children – all boys. He attended Shelley schools and after graduation attended Ricks College and Idaho State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, and later completed a correspondence course with the University of Idaho. He served a 30 month mission to Germany for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a difficult mission, but he was grateful for the experience and gained a great deal of respect for his German and Swiss ancestors.
On December 19, 1962, Allen married Enid Oswald in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, Temple. They were married for almost 59 years. To this union were born one daughter and two sons. The family lived in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and the majority of their years in Shelley. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings. He tried to serve to the best of his ability, but always felt that his calling of Husband, Father and Grandfather was of the greatest importance.
Allen served in the United States Army for a period of time after his mission where he received advanced training as a combat medic and medical specialist. After returning to college, he had to complete additional years with an Army Reserve Unit or the National Guard, so he joined the 116th Engineer Battalion of the National Guard, eventually serving for a period of time in Viet Nam as a medic.
Allen was a hard worker and his full time employment over the years included 3 years with the J. R. Simplot Company as Research Chemist and Assistant Chief Chemist, 5 years with the R. T. French Company as Pilot Plant and Process Research Supervisor, and 26 years with various contractors at the Idaho National Laboratory as a Project Engineer, Staff Engineer, Senior Scientist, and Advisory Engineer.
He had many talents and hobbies which included building beautiful pieces of furniture, tinkering, and creating different projects. He loved learning and always had a long list of things to work on and do. He was musically talented and played the piano, organ, saxophone, clarinet, and banjo. He loved the outdoors and the family enjoyed many camping trips together along with plenty of fishing and hiking. He also greatly enjoyed visiting and spending time with cherished friends.
Allen is survived by his wife Enid and his children Janet (David) Searle of Shelley, Allen J. Oswald Jr. of Lewiston, Idaho, and Michael D. (Rhonda) Oswald of Virginia Beach, Virginia, 9 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his older brother Kenneth Oswald. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Deloy and Ronald.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Taylor Ward Chapel, 1101 E 1250 N Shelley, ID. The family will receive friends Friday morning from 9:30 till 10:40 A.M at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery with military rites. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.
