Thursday
June 26th, 2025
8:02AM
Gerald Oswalt, known as “Jerry” to everyone he knew, passed away peacefully in his Gainesville, GA home on June 24, 2025, following a swift battle with pancreatic cancer.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, at Lanier Hills Church in Gainesville, GA, with visitation starting at 10 a.m.
Jerry was born on April 18, 1952, to Don and Janet Oswalt in Damascus, Ohio. After marrying the love of his life, Valetta Oswalt (Green), he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with their two oldest children, Jeremy and Kassie.
Following his military service, Jerry became involved in church planting, which brought the family to Georgia. While living in Austell, the family grew to include Nathan, Bethany, and Andrea. Jerry was a hard-working man with a deep love for Jesus and his family. In retirement, he enjoyed building in his workshop, daily walks and hikes, sitting on his patio while watching the birds, traveling with Valetta, and attending many of his grandchildren’s events.
Jerry had a heart for service and shared his faith by example. He found great joy in volunteering at Finding Faith, Inc., a local nonprofit therapy barn supporting individuals with special needs.
In honor of Jerry, the family kindly asks that you consider supporting Finding Faith Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with special needs. While the online donation system is currently down, checks can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 5841, Gainesville, GA 30504
Credit card donations can be arranged by emailing [email protected] to request a secure invoice.
More than anything, Jerry would have loved for you to volunteer your time, especially if you're local, whether for a day or on a regular basis. Your support helps continue the compassionate work he held close to his heart.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Janet Oswalt, and his beloved son, Jeremy Oswalt. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Valetta (Green); four children: Kassie Socks (Chuck), Nathan Oswalt (Iryna), Bethany Kempf (Jeremy), and Andrea Dunseith (Stephen); daughter-in-law Elizabeth Oswalt; sister Diane Bible (Abe); 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
