Marilyn I. Oswalt

OSWALT, Marilyn I.

Fulton, MI

Marilyn Ilene Oswalt (Pete), age 86, passed away unexpectedly on December 25, 2022, in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born July 14, 1936, in Climax Township, daughter of Harlan and Lula (Tyler) Piper and loved growing up on her parent's farm with all her siblings.  Upon graduating Climax High School in June of 1954, Marilyn was united in marriage to Philip V. Oswalt on August 21, 1954.  Philip joined the Army in 1956 and after completion of bootcamp at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, they were stationed together in Media, Pennsylvania.  A short time after they returned home to Michigan, she was hired in at the Kellogg Company of Battle Creek, but only for a short time, as she quickly learned her heart belonged to farm life.  She and Philip moved to their farmhouse in Fulton, MI in 1960 and have been lifelong residents since.  Her career involved caring for her home, husband, children and grandchildren.  Marilyn had such a passion for animals so when Philip worked 2nd shift, she didn’t mind taking over all the farm chores.  She had a zest for planting and tending to her large gardens and loved cooking and baking.  After the kids were in school, she and the neighbor ladies would meet every Wednesday for their sewing party.  Marilyn was known for her knit scrubber balls, and everyone loved them.  When the World Hot Air Balloon Championship came to Battle Creek in the 80’s, she was hooked.  Especially after several had touched down right on their farm.   She and Phil loved bowling and going to the dance hall with their friends.  Every Sunday afternoon, she would gather her family and head to Grandma Pipers house for family dinners and also looked forward to time spent at both Grandma Oswalt and Grandma Pipers at Christmas time, until the families had grown too big.  After ‘The Stanley’ reunions ended, Marilyn was bound and determined to host her own family reunions.  Thus, started the Annual 4th of July family picnics at the Oswalt’s home, sometimes hosting over 100 people.  This continued for over 50 years.   She had the biggest heart and loved everyone, and everyone was drawn to her love and kindness.  She was extraordinarily, as sweet as they come.  All her much-loved nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends loved and adored Marilyn (Aunt Pete).

Marilyn was preceded in death by; her parents, a daughter, Debora L. Oswalt, and her four brothers and four sisters.  Surviving is her beloved husband of 68 years, Philip V. Oswalt, her son, James P. (Theresa) Oswalt, her grandchildren Daniel P. Dawson (Kelly), Darron J. Oswalt, Anna E. Oswalt, Audrey K. Oswalt (Mark fiancé) and Andrew J. Oswalt, great-grandchildren; Jaxtin Beers, Journi and Lexah Dawson.

Visitation will be held from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Friday, January 6, 2023, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 205 E. Maple St, Climax MI 49034 where services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, January 7, 2023. Interment in North Fulton Cemetery will follow as well as an announcement for the luncheon after the Interment.  Because of her love for animals, in lieu of flowers please consider a gift to your area Humane Society.  To view Marilyn’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com