William (Ozzie) Oswalt passed away on July 14, 2019, at his home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach, California. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Freda Learned Oswalt, and many dear friends and relatives.
Ozzie was born on July 21, 1938, in Westville, Illinois, to the late Anna and William Oswalt; he returned often to his boyhood home in Westville to visit his childhood friends. After moving to Manhattan Beach in 1965, he was a salesman for Southern Wine and Spirits where he knew every bar owner in town, many of whom became steadfast friends.
Ozzie was the ultimate host; he loved entertaining in his Southern California beach house, and his door was always open (literally). A master conversationalist, Ozzie was never at a loss for words, and regaled guests with tales on most any subject. He was a champion amateur golfer and enjoyed traveling the world to play golf with his buddies.
Ozzie was a lifelong Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan. College football viewing was a customary activity at Ozzie’s place. He regularly returned to the Midwest to attend Notre Dame football games and would often dazzle guests with his rendition of the Notre Dame fight song on the trumpet. One of his happiest moments was the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series in 2016.
Ozzie was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia Ahrens Oswalt, and he remained close to her extended family. He is survived by his sisters, Marilyn McAllister and Cheryl Black and countless nieces, nephews, and friends. Friends and family are welcome to attend the funeral service on Friday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church, 624 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, California, 90266. The service will be followed by a celebration of life at HT Grill in Redondo Beach from 12 to 3. There will be a celebration of his life in Westville, Illinois, in the fall.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. |