Donald C. Oswald

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our father, Donald Charles Oswald, on November 9, 2025, at Cambrian Memory Care.

Don was born May 11, 1939 at home in Riga Township to Verne L Oswald and Myrtle W (Gautz). A 1957 graduate of Tecumseh High School, he married Karen L Pennington on January 21,1961, with whom he shared three daughters and 63 years of getting stuff done.

Don’s life was a testament to hard work, determination, and love of his family. He modeled self-sufficiency and a strong work ethic from childhood, as evidenced by winning a brand new 1954 Buick after garnering the most subscriptions in a paper drive for the Tecumseh Herald before he was old enough to drive. Don didn’t let rules or “limits” stop him; he always found a loophole or way through. He was a toolmaker at Tipton Tool & Die before joining Ford Motor Company and becoming a mechanical engineer at the now closed Ypsilanti plant, retiring after thirty-four years. Retirement was just the beginning for Don, who then had time to focus on gardening, carpentry, hunting, fishing, chopping wood, remodels galore, and helping his daughters/ neighbors/friends with anything needed. A talented carpenter, Don was always working on projects at home and for others. Over the years he and Karen remodeled their centennial farmhouse. No repair was too daunting nor a project too impossible for Don to tackle. Karen dreamt it; he created it. Armed with his pencil and tool pouch, Don would methodically work a project to perfection with the Tigers Radio playing in the background. His bluebird and wren houses were Christmas favorites.

Don taught his girls to be self-sufficient, from how to service and maintain their lawnmowers to appliances to car care and more. He also instilled kindness and neighborly values in his children. His kindness and generosity extended to anyone who needed “a bit of help.”

Karen and Don traveled for antique and casino runs where Don would hit the all you can eat shrimp buffets and dollar blackjack tables like the bargain champion he was. A quiet card shark and Hoyle loyalist, Don was usually the one you had to beat in euchre and Texas Hold ‘Em. He proudly taught his girls how to shuffle, deal and count cards, all the while with his mischievous grin.

After 43 years of farm living in Tecumseh, Don and Karen moved to Vineyard Lake for their last home renovation. For twenty years they enjoyed lake life, hosting friends and family, rooting for the Lions, Tigers, and Wolverines. Many card games and stories were shared at Vineyard, always with his trademark “smirk”.  

A legacy of hard work, dedication and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a hero to his daughters and will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by his daughters, Mary (Dwayne) Norton, Suzy (Mike) Snyder, and Donna (Tim Stephens) Oswald; his brothers, Duane Oswald, Leo (Virginia) Oswald, Robert (Gail) Oswald; and nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, his parents. and his sisters-in law, Judy and Virginia Oswald.

In keeping with Don’s wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest next to Karen at the Macon Cemetery in May of 2026, following a private graveside ceremony for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.