Clyde Dane Oswald September 21, 1951 - April 18, 2022
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Apr 26, 2022 | 10:22 AM / 664 views
Memorial services for Clyde Dane Oswald, 70, Wakpala, SD will be held on Saturday. April 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Clyde was reported missing on January 27, 2022 and was recovered from Lake Oahe on April 18, 2022. The service will be livestreamed on the Kesling Funeral Home Facebook page.
Clyde Dane Oswald passed away doing what he loved on January 27, 2022, at age 70. Clyde was the first born child to Norma and Oliver Oswald on September 21, 1951 in Eureka, South Dakota. He grew up alongside his brother (Kirby) and sisters (Beverly and Sherry) on the family farm where he became captivated with nature. Clyde was always out helping his dad around the farm, tending to animals and handling equipment. From an early age he was a prolific reader. Knowledge and the drive for learning paved the way for his vast perspective of the world. Beginning his formal education, 1st through 8th grade in two different one-room country schools, then graduating from Eureka High School in 1969. That fall, he left home to further his education at the University of South Dakota. He was exposed to knowledge – and some distractions. This led him to numerous adventures and some mis-adventures. Leaving his mis-adventures behind, he began living and working in Rapid City, SD. He met and started dating the love of his life, Sandy in 1977. They married in 1980 and became a well-traveled couple during their years on the road while Clyde was iron working throughout the western half of the US. Life forever changed when they welcomed their first and only child, Dylan in 1988. The family then lived in Brookings, SD while Clyde worked full-time at night and pursued his studies during the day. He worked on his bachelors’ degree in Wildlife Fisheries biology and minored in journalism at South Dakota State University. Graduating with his degree in 1992.
Clyde lived a simple life but, a life full of adventure, love, and joy. He cherished the outdoors and the peaceful feeling it instilled. He enjoyed hunting the wind swept plains and fishing throughout the state. He had contagious laughter and kept a positive attitude no matter the circumstance. He would always ensure that better days were ahead and not to live negatively. He wanted you to be appreciative of the life before you. Clyde loved to spend time with his son Dylan, in the outdoors. They enjoyed hunting and fishing together throughout the years. He also had a deep love for his one and only grandchild, Bridger. Clyde was the person that suggested the name “Bridger” when Dylan and Lisa were awaiting his arrival. The name came from a famous mountain man, named Jim Bridger. Dylan and Lisa immediately loved the name and gave it to their sweet boy. Clyde and Bridger shared a special bond together. Laughter followed wherever they went. Bridger will forever love and miss, his “Gampa”. We know he lived his last day with a full heart. Knowing his family loved and cherished him. Not only for being a loving husband, father and grandfather but as a man of honor and a role model to so many. Although gone too soon, he got to leave this earth on his own terms, doing what he loved.
Clyde leaves behind his loving wife, Sandy (Fairbanks), son Dylan (Lisa) and grandson Bridger Oswald. Other survivors include his adoring mother, Norma Oswald, sisters Sherry Oswald (Robb Rasmussen) & Beverly (Terry Dye), and beloved brother, Kirby Oswald. On the Fairbanks side he leaves behind his brother-in-laws, Dean and Troy (Billie Jo) Fairbanks and sister-in-law Phyllis (Luis Rodriguez) Fairbanks. Clyde was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was preceded in death by Oliver Oswald (father), Ida & Christ Lutz (maternal grandparents), Hulda & William Oswald (paternal grandparents), Edward and Della Fairbanks (father-in-law and mother-in-law), and Cheryl Fairbanks (sister in-law) among many other aunts, uncles and loved ones.