Herta K. Oswalt

Herta K. "Susan" Oswalt Battle Creek Herta K. "Susan" Oswalt, 83, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. Susan was born on December 16, 1924 in Vienna Austria, the daughter of Edmund and Maria (Windhagger) Moser. Her first husband Walter Kolz, was killed during World War II. She met her second husband, Mr. William Oswalt, in Vienna and married him on February 19, 1948 in Vienna. He preceded her in death in 2006. Susan was educated in Vienna. She came to the United States in 1950 and moved to Camp Atterbury, Indiana with her husband Bill who was in the U.S. Army and their young daughter Linda. While there Susan was employed for the United States Army as a medical transcriptionist. The family then moved to Battle Creek in 1954. She was employed at the Defense Logistics Service Center for 30 years, retiring in 1979. Susan was a gregarious woman with many interests and talents. She was a gourmet cook, loved growing herbs, vegetables and flowers and was a nature lover, animal advocate and world traveler. Susan loved thrift shopping at garage sales, meeting new people and was known to feed stray cats in the neighborhood. She was also an excellent photographer, having been a member of the Battle Creek Camera Club, and was a fine amateur floral watercolorist. She enjoyed the Kal-Haven trail, the Kingman Museum and watching many programs on public television. Susan loved this country and was a true patriot. Her friends loved to listen to her stories of her homeland. She is survived by her daughter Linda (Don) Baird of El Cerrito, California. A memorial service honoring Susan's life will be held on the lawn at the home she loved, on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements have been handled by Royal Funeral Home where friends may call for more information (964-3706). Memorial contributions may be given to the Calhoun Area Humane Society.