Jerilyn Oswald

The Lord has chosen to take one very special lady home to be with Him in heaven. Jerilyn Oswald, 67, Bismarck, died January 11, 2016, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck. Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 18, at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 Avenue D East, Bismarck, with Rev. Thomas R. Marcis, Jr., officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, January 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Jerilyn was born March 4, 1948, to Emanuel and Eva (Degner) Fode in Bismarck, ND. Her early childhood years were spent in Wing, ND, until age 7, when they moved to Bismarck. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1966. Jerilyn married Cliff “Arnie” Oswald, Jr., on January 29, 1966. They made their first home at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, where their son, Kevin Gene, was born. After completion of Cliff’s military duty they returned to Bismarck. In 1976 their daughter, Tana Louise, was born. Jerilyn was employed with JC Penney’s, Kmart, and Target until 1990, when she retired due to health issues. In September of 1990, Jerilyn received a kidney transplant. In 1997, she began dialysis whereby God allowed us to enjoy her an extra 19 years. Jerilyn loved attending auctions, bingo, and various casinos. She also loved to travel and visit family and friends. Her favorite outings were to attend Tana’s son, Christopher’s sporting events at Shiloh. She also loved going to Colorado and spending quality time with Kevin, Cheri, and granddaughters, Emilee and Christina. Jerilyn is survived by her husband, Cliff “Arnie”, Bismarck; her son, Kevin (Cheri); her granddaughters, Emilee and Christina; her daughter, Tana; her grandson, Christopher. She also leaves one sister, Alvina (Gary) Allmendinger; and one brother, Gordon (Clarice) Fode; along with many nieces and nephews. Jerilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Darrell. Our family is very privileged to have had such an amazing role model like Jerilyn whose guidance and example showed everyone how to live life with positivity, happiness, and laughter.