John F. "Johnny O" Oswald

John F. "Johnny O" Oswald, age 86, of Worthington, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 23, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. John was born July 14, 1923 in Chicago, Ill. to the late Michael and Alousia (Busch) Oswald, and he was the youngest of 11 children. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Robert, Joseph and Michael, sisters Louise, Theresa and Mary and lifelong friend Harvey Baessler all of Chicago, Ill. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia "Ginger"; 7 children, Judy (Tim) Carrabine, Leslie (Barry) Akers, Bruce (Sonja), Cath (Jim) Wilson, Paula (Mike) Horn, Kurt (Marian) and Jon (Crystal); "Pops" to 13 grandchildren, Jaci (Alex) Leader, Ryan, Jason, Courtney (Matt) Brown, Matt, Rachel (Steven) Reed, Michael, Skylar, Kassidy, Jackson, Ella, Wyatt and Greta; great granddaughter, Evie; and soon to be born, great grandson, Benjamin. Also surviving are his sisters, Frieda, Pauline, Elsie and Ann of Chicago, Ill.; sisters-in-law, Jacque (Jack), Charlotte (Jack) and Nancy (Mike); several nieces and nephews. John retired after 38 years with H.P. Smith Paper Company, Chicago, Ill. and spent many years traveling with family and friends and enjoying his grandchildren. He was a loving husband and wonderful father and will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor and love for his family. He enjoyed music of all genres and was a great cook! John never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. John was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 20 E. Dominion Blvd., Columbus, Oh. 43214, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009 with Father Kevin Kavanagh, celebrant. The family will welcome friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2009 at the RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St., Worthington, Oh. 43085 (funeral home is located 3 blocks South of State Route 161). The family would like to thank Drs. Michael Delphia and Christopher George, the 7th floor staff at Riverside Hospital, the staff at the Laurels of Norworth and HomeReach Hospice for their support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either: HomeReach Hospice, 180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Oh. 43215 or the American Cancer Society , Central Region Office - FRAN, 870 Michigan Ave., Columbus, Oh. 43215. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com