I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Oswald’s passing in 2022. He was a favorite teacher of mine at Niles East HS. I took biology with him and graduated in 1972. He was kind and funny. I was glad to see him at our 40th reunion at Pinstripes? May his memory live on in the hearts of his family, friends, students and all who knew him.
Eila Weinstein Koltun

Mr. Oswald was my favorite teacher at Niles East.  He made us laugh, and in turn, made us learn.  Thanks for the memories!  My condolences to his family.  

Jerry will be truly missed by Kathy and family. I was always so impressed with his wood carvings and marveled in the creations he made and the time and patience it took to make each one of them. Jerry made us a Santa that holds a scroll with all of our family names on it. He made me a new one each time we had a new member of the family come -- even the dogs. He made a total of 5 of them and I cherish each on of them. The last one he made was for Christmas 2021 when we got a new puppy so this one is the most special for me! Thank you, Jerry, for your wonderful creations and the time and effort you put into them! RIP. 

Jerry & I were "cousins-in-law"; Dorann (Klein) & I were first cousins.  For me, Jerry was a very friendly person who added joy to our family get-togethers.  May Jerry enjoy a reunion-of-souls in heaven.  May his family be blessed with joyful & thankful memories.  I apologize that I was unable to come to the visitation.  Peace!  Greg Rom

We mourn Jerry's death and our friend Kathy's deep loss.  Wish we could be there, but are in covid quarantine.  We happily remember lovely times at their Evanston condo (great burgers and Jerry's awesome carving.)  Mostly all the joy Kathy and Jerry brought each other.  Best wedding ever 'cept our own!  We love you, Fred!  -- Susan and Denny 

My condolences to Jerry's family. I could always count on Jerry for a smile and pleasant greeting at both Niles East and Niles North. He was a wonderful colleague and fine teacher. 

Jerry Proffit

When we look back at our high school years, we have memories that first come to mind.  Sophomore biology with Mr. Oswald at Niles East is one of those I remember fondly. I loved his sense of humour, often effectively  used to remind some of the class clowns that we were in the classroom to learn and not to watch their floor show. He was a wonderful teacher who guided us in our fetal pig dissection, the experience of which was one of the reasons I chose to pursue surgery as my career.  Thank you, Mr. Oswald, for inspiring me.   

Jerry was a wonderful member of our faculty and a respected friend. We coached basketball together, a situation where I did a miserable job, but he was always supportive. He truly enjoyed his students, and put a great deal of energy and humor into his classes. His claim to fame was having attended the last Buddy Holly concert, before the plane crashed.  I looked up to him. He will be missed. 

Mr Oswald was one of my favorite teachers at Niles North. He was a smart ass & I truly appreciated that. He was an inspiration to me. My deepest sympathies to his family. 

Mr. Oswald was, maybe, my favorite teacher ever. I was pretty checked out of school by the time I sat in his trig class, but he found a way to reel me back in. He made learning interesting and fun. He was kind and patient. He knew when he smelled the nonsense, too, and had no problem calling it out. He made me, really all of us, smarter and better. Rest in peace, sir, may your memory be for a blessing.

Rest in Peace my friend. You were tops in your subject area and colleague. I remember sharing a picket on the strike line many times. I only hope that new teachers take a stand to teach children the same way you did. I have been retired almost 22 years and I still remember your smiling face as we me one another in the hallway at Niles North campus.  My condolences to the family.

I graduated from Niles North in 1987. Mr Oswald was both my homeroom and math teacher. I still laugh at the jokes he told, my favorite being because of the age of the school staff , the school would soon have to extend the time of the passing periods. On occasion I’d be late to school, my mom drove me and often spent the night at her boyfriend’s leaving me alone. He knew my situation and never marked me late. I always felt that he truly cared about me and had my best interests at heart. He was a special man who holds a place in my heart almost 35 years after I graduated . My condolences to his family.

Jerry Oswald was the best math teacher I ever had. He was extremely kind and patient with his students, and he had a fabulous sense of humor that he was not afraid to share both in and out of the classroom.  For years after I graduated from Niles North, I would often go visit him. It was a pleasure and a privilege to go from a student/teacher relationship to one of genuine adult friends. I will always treasure all the memories. RIP, Jerry! You were loved by so many and will be sorely missed.

Jerry was truly one of the nicest, kindest, most considerate individuals I have ever known.  To have had him as a very close friend for so many years was a wonderful gift. I will always remember and sorely miss all the great times we shared, many of them spent trying to coax a small round golf ball into a 4.25 inch hole. So many fond memories collected over the years.


Jerry was an excellent teacher, wonderful friend, and a great mentor for an inexperienced, new teacher like me.  I learned valuable lessons from him, especially on how to motivate and work with students.  My deepest sympathy and condolences to Jerry’s family and friends.
George Pryjma 


My sincere condolences to Jerry's family.  I remember him as an excellent teacher who cared for his students.  He always gave extra help to those in need and  shared  his wisdom with new teachers.   Rest in heaven Jerry.  God has another District 219 Angel.  
Fondly,
Donna Virklan Pesavento

OBITUARY

Jerome Lee Oswald

October 27, 1938 – January 27, 2022

Oehler Funeral Home

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