Richard Osweiler

Long-time Great Falls resident Richard R. Osweiler, 89, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, November 3, at Peace Hospice of Great Falls. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at O’Connor Memorial Chapel with inurnment with military honors to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A hard worker who held an array of jobs, Rich was a rancher’s son who worked in the meat cutting trade in Great Falls. He worked at several plants, finally hanging up his apron from Cascade Meats Wholesale in 1988 after a 42-year career. He held many side jobs throughout the years as well, including as an extra bartender at the Town Tavern, owned by a friend. Rich was a quiet and humble man, known and loved for his gentlemanly ways and kind manner. Without hesitation, he offered to do for others and typically lent a hand before being asked. Rich rarely asked for help himself and graciously thanked those who helped him, even to the very end. Along with his twin brother Eugene, Rich was born into a large, rambunctious farm family on March 8, 1926. He spent his first six years on a ranch south of Great Falls and walked three miles to attend Fleming School, east of Eden. His later schooling in Great Falls came at Lincoln, Largent and Paris Gibson Junior High. He split time between the ranch and jobs at Leslie’s Department Store and the City Bar as janitor in high school. Before graduating from Great Falls High School in 1944, he even took up apprentice saddle making for Victor Arios. With World War II raging, Rich began his active service in the U.S. Navy in June 1944, and he was assigned to the U.S.S. Laura Bridgeman after completing training. As his ship traveled through the Panama Canal on the way to the Philippines, Rich passed his brother Harvey’s ship loaded with troops for the invasion of Okinawa. Returning to San Diego on leave, Rich benefited from a twist of fate. Though the dock was overflowing with thousands of returning sailors in their blue uniforms and white caps, Rich spotted his brother Edward in the crowd and the two were happily reunited. A different war, the conflict in Korea, sadly took his twin brother Eugene on Mother’s Day, May 11, 1952, a date Rich remembered as the day he “lost his shadow.” Rich was proud of his military service, which took him to bases around the country and around the world. He felt privileged to return to the Philippines and help guerilla fighters and their families return to their homes among the islands. He was honorably discharged in July of 1946 with many campaign ribbons. Back in Great Falls, Rich set his sights again on a pretty girl in a red dress he had met at a Christmas country school dance back when he was in eighth grade and she in sixth. Rich asked Donna Helen Konesky to dance that night, she said yes, and, as he used to say, they “have been dancing ever since.” They married in 1948 at St. Ann’s Cathedral in Great Falls and started their family – three girls followed by two boyson the city’s east side. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sharing hunting, fishing and camping trips with his growing family, continuing the tradition later with his grandchildren. He delighted in a good joke, and his fun-loving nature was revealed in a famous prank or two played on his family over the years. Rich was a fine softball player, playing into his 50’s, who also enjoyed bowling, playing for 50 years in the league at the Elks Club, where he was a lifetime member. Rich and his brothers even won a state bowling championship in 1971. He also was a longtime member of the Eagles Lodge. More recently Rich turned his attention to watching Westerns and football, rooting on the Denver Broncos, the Seattle “Mareeners” and the Montana State University Bobcats. More than anything, Rich especially loved visiting with his sons and daughters and their families, his extended family and longtime friends in the country. Rich was so proud of having had five brothers who served in the U.S. Army and Navy. He also often spoke of the wonderful life he had on the ranch and of the family he had with Donna. His family is filled with pride for having had him for a father, a man who sacrificed many dreams for them. He was a man of tremendous humility and integrity and a true gentleman in every sense. “Until we meet again, let the pitch party begin with the Osweiler clan.” Rich is survived by his wife Donna of 67 years; daughters Connie (Ron) Rust, Betty Jo (Mike) Monroe, and Dona Jean (John) Davison; and son Mike (Michele) Osweiler. Also surviving are daughter-in-law Barb Osweiler, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and another great-granddaughter due this month. Jack Osweiler is his sole surviving brother. Rich was preceded in death by his son, Richard E. Osweiler, and a grandson, Logan Osweiler. Also preceding him were his father, Victor P. Osweiler; his mother, Susan M. Osweiler; brothers Harvey, Victor, Edward and his twin, Gene; and his sisters Lucille, Josephine, and June (Jack’s twin sister who died at birth). In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (1732 S. 72nd St., Billings, MT, 59106) and Peace Hospice.