Joe Oschwald

Joseph M. “Joe” Oschwald, 69, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, March 24, 2023 at his residence following a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma.

A memorial funeral service for Joe will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 1, at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The Reverend David Bracht-Wagner, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may call from 12-7 PM on Friday, March 31 at the church. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-7 PM.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, First United Methodist Church or the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Music Boosters. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Joseph Martin Oschwald was born March 25, 1953 in Mount Pleasant, IA. He was the son of William Robert and Phyllis Mae (Caskey) Oschwald. As Joe’s father worked for agriculture extension services, Joe moved with his family to Cedar Rapids, Ames and Champaign, IL. He graduated from Centennial High School of Champaign in 1971. He attended the University of Illinois following his graduation. On November 26, 1982 in Onarga, IL, Joe was united in marriage to Gaila Jean Fink.

With his accounting and business background, Joe began his working career at Tower Hobbies in Champaign. Joe then became an insurance agent for a short period and in 1984, began a long career in the car business, joining Shottenkirk Automotive in Mt. Pleasant in 1994, where he worked in finance and later became a sales manager.

Joe was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois. At home, Joe loved to grill and cook. He also enjoyed time gardening and fishing.

Those thankful for sharing in Joe’s life include his wife of 40 years, Gaila ; 3 children – Jordan (Heidi) Oschwald of Maricopa, AZ, Lindsay (Evan) Honts of Winfield, IA and Lauren (Blake) Allender of Mt. Pleasant; his brothers – John (Laura) Oschwald of Mahomet, IL, Jeff (Jill) Oschwald of Fenton, MO and Jim (Dale Murphy) Oschwald of Phoenix, AZ; his mother-in-law, Sandra Fink of Onarga, IL; his grandchildren – Jonas, Crosby, Lennon, Josephine, Cora and an eagerly anticipated grandson due to be born this fall. Joe is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews and their families, many friends and especially his extended family at Shottenkirk Automotive.

Joe’s parents and father-in-law Marvin Fink precede him in death.

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