Rollin Oswald

REV. ROLLIN GORDON OSWALD

Cedar Rapids

The Rev. Rollin Gordon Oswald, 91 years of age, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in The Woodlands at the Meth-Wick Community and entered into the joyful surprise of heaven. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at St. James United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. Private entombment: Linwood Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Rollin was born June 17, 1925, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Gordon and Myrtle Oswald. Due to his father's employment with the railroad, Rollin's family moved several times before returning to Cedar Rapids. Rollin graduated from Roosevelt Senior High School in 1943. In response to World War II, he enlisted in the Marines and upon recommendation of superiors, he was allowed to transfer to the Navy V12 program, where he earned a bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., during his service. Upon discharge, Rollin studied at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, completing a bachelor of divinity degree.

On June 20, 1948, Rollin married Loraine Jones in Cedar Rapids and a year later was ordained in the Methodist Church. Rollin and Loraine served churches in St. Ansgar/Little Cedar, Dubuque, Mount Vernon, Iowa Falls and West Des Moines, and also served as superintendent for the Cedar Rapids District. In 1982, Rollin was awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity from Simpson College. After retirement in 1988, Rollin continued his ministry as an associate at St. James United Methodist Church and as chaplain at the Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids.

Rollin's strong faith, commitment to serving others, and dedication to church as well as civic involvement impacted the lives of many. He was an avid gardener, photographer, voracious reader and strong supporter of education.

He is survived by two sons, Mark Gordon (Jo) of Londonderry, N.H., and Peter Thomas (Maureen) of Carlinville, Ill.; two daughters, Deborah Jones Tierney (Ed) of Indianola and Rebekah Ann Lane (Bob) of Indianola; brother-in-law, Thomas Marion Jones Jr. (Joyce) of Fair Grove, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, Anne Dysinger (Mark), Elizabeth Pinnell (Alex), Amanda Oswald, Jessica Davis (Jason), Peter Oswald II (Brogan), Samuel Oswald, Jacob Steward (Amanda), Jill Henninger (Tim), Kate Huff (Ross), Patrick Tierney, Allison Lane and Ryan Lane; and great-grandchildren, Olivia and Benjamin Pinnell, Lucy Dysinger, Piper, Max and Remy Davis, Carter Zilm, Charlee Steward, Kasten Henninger, Rhett and Reid Huff.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Loraine; a brother, Gene Oswald; a sister, Doris West; his parents, Gordon and Myrtle Oswald; his parents-in-law, Thomas and Mabel Jones; and sister-in-law, Patricia Jones.

Friends may leave a message for the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids.