SPARTA - Harvey E. Oswald Jr., 71, of Sparta, passed away on Saturday May 28, 2022. He was born on December 22, 1950 in Sparta to Harvey E. Oswald and Dorothy M. (Habhegger) Oswald.
Harvey graduated from Sparta High School in June, 1970. Upon graduation, Harvey joined the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad; and the 107th National Guard. Harvey deployed to Saudi Arabia with the 107th in November, 1990 for a one year tour. He worked for the railroad for 10 years as a welder. While in the Guards, Harvey worked in Camp Douglas as a heavy diesel mechanic for a period of 29 years. He also served on the sharp shooting team. After retirement, he worked part time at Fort Mccoy in the maintenance shop. From 2000 to 2007, Harvey worked part time for the Town of Sparta maintaining the 96 miles of town roads with his partner Ricky Stark. Harvey was known to help fix machinery for area farmers in his spare time.
He enjoyed yearly trips to Colorado to hunt for Elk with his hunting buddies, Robert Betts, Jack Peck, and Toby Robertson. They made 20 trips, first with the bare necessities and as time went on with a few luxuries to make life more comfortable and enjoyable.
After retirement due to hip replacement, Harvey took to modeling and building a small scale tractor, hay bailer, tractor and goose neck trailer to haul his excavator. He became a member of the Coulee Antique Engine Club located in Cashton, WI. Harvey and Heather loved to go Antiquing around the area.
Harvey is survived by his brothers, Robert and Paul; his guardian angel, Heather Jo Zenker; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Dorothy; and a brother, Donald.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta.
A celebration of life and time for sharing, will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors, provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion post 100, will follow at 12 noon in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta, with the following serving as honorary pallbearers: Kevin Raymer, Jack Peck, Mike Wegner, Toby Oswald, and Jay Cox.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
