Irene Harriet Oswald, 68, of Sparta passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2006 peacefully with her family in her home after a short battle with cancer. She was born on November 30, 1937 in Melvina to Harry Erickson and Florence (Gilbertson) Legler.

     She married Donald Oswald June 16, 1956 and later divorced.

     She worked at Rolling Hills as a dietary aid for 28 years and had been retired for 6 years.  She was an active member of the Congregational Church and served in many groups, the Martha group, deacons, and helped with the food pantry. 

     She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, having a good time with her friends, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

     She is survived by her 8 children, Robert (Jean) Oswald, Peggy (Ed) Hanson, JoAnn Oswald, Donna (Art) Hendersin, Barb Schmitz, Carol (Clayton) Tester, Cheryl (Mark) Nevin, and Roger Oswald all of Sparta; 16 grandchildren, Heather (Chad) Oswald, Matt Oswald, Jenny (Steve) Gordee, Christina (Darrell) Maack, Curt Hanson, Eddie Hanson, Sara Schaller, Steve (Heather) Flock, Melissa Schmitz, Trisha Schmitz, Jared Selbrede, Ashley Tester, Nicole Nevin, Miranda Nevin, Josh Nevin, and Brandon Oswald; 5 great grandchildren, Brooke Oswald, Elaina McTaggart, Natalie Erickson, Madison Maack, and Colton Flock; 4 step grandchildren, Candace Hendersin, Krystal, Megan and Courtney Tester; and 3 step great grandchildren, Sarah Maack, Jayla and Ricky; 2 sisters, Ilene Holtzman and Janice (Art) Anderson of Milwaukee; 2 sisters-in-law, Kathy Erickson of Lake Geneva and Denise Erickson of Racine; aunts, uncles, and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Jerry, Dale, and Russell Erickson.

     Memorial services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, Sparta with Reverend David McBride officiating. Burial will be at a later time.

     Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Congregational United Church of Christ and the Kidney Foundation.

     A special thanks to Aunt Darlene Heistad for the care you extended to Irene.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.