Darrell Oswald

Darrell Eugene Oswald, age 86, of Wing, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wing. Burial will be held at the Wing Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the Bismarck Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Darrell was born on December 2, 1938, in Stockton, California, the eldest child of Eugene and Bertha (Berg) Oswald. In 1944, the family returned to Wing, North Dakota and began farming in Wing area.

Darrell graduated from Wing High School in 1956 and married Rosemary Hopkins in July 1960 in Herreid, South Dakota. Later, he continued his education at Hanson’s Mechanic School in Fargo before returning home to work for his father-in-law, Lawrence Hopkins, on the Willow Springs and ZX Ranch. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, hospitality, and family. Their ranch home became a place where relatives and friends always felt welcome.

Darrell’s mother passed away when he was thirty, and he stepped forward to support his younger sisters, Debbie and Rhonda. Together with his wife, Rosemary, he helped guide them through their youth—demonstrating the deep sense of family and responsibility that would define his life. Darrell and Rosemary later divorced.

Darrell took over management of the Oswald ranch in Wing Township when his father retired in 1970, later joining his son in forming the Loophole Land and Cattle Company. He remained active in ranching until 2019, when health challenges led to his retirement. Even after stepping back, Darrell’s heart never left the land.

He was a lifelong member of the Wing Congregational Church until it closed, and while he may not have always been seen in a pew on Sunday morning, his faith was deep. He often said he felt closest to God outdoors—“In rustling grass, I feel Him pass,” was his guiding belief.

Darrell was a 50 + year member and former president of the Wing Lions Club, served on the Wing School Board, Wing Township Board, Wing Ambulance Board and was active in the Wing Horse Club for 50 years. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Burleigh County Highway Department for 15 years and contributed to land reclamation efforts in the state’s coal country—jobs he took to help support his family and ranch.

Known for his quiet wisdom and steadfast work ethic, Darrell was a mentor to many—his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and countless others who found their way to his door. Whether someone needed advice, a place to stay, or simply a listening ear, Darrell offered it without pretense.

He is survived by his son, Darrell D. Oswald of Wing; daughters Melissa (Mark) Vollmer of Willow City and Suzanne LeMay of Washburn; grandchildren Shelby (Lee Butler) Deckert of DeRidder, LA; Sarianna LeMay of Washburn; Darby (Austin Bissonette) Deckert of Atlanta; Rhea (Jordan) Schumacher of Washburn; and Audrey and Afton Oswald of Wing; step-grandsons Logan (Regan) Vollmer and Levi (Casie) Vollmer of Willow City; and great-grandchildren Carter Kaval of Washburn and baby girl Schumacher due in February; and step-great-grandchildren Grayson and Kodi Vollmer of Willow City and Hudson Schumacher of Washburn. He is also survived by his brother Tim (Diana) Oswald of Bismarck and sisters Debbie Schilowsky of Washburn and Rhonda Smith of Phoenix, AZ. He was blessed with many nieces and nephews who adored him dearly.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janice Oswald Oster.