Cindy (Rasmussen) Oswald

Cindy (Rasmussen) Oswald, age 67, passed away on August 13, 2025, after a brave year-long battle with small cell lung cancer.

Cindy was born on November 20, 1957, in Manitowoc to Mark and Janice Rasmussen. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1976, she set off on an adventure, traveling the coastlines of North America—including the Panama Canal—working as a staff attendant on Burger luxury yachts. She loved every minute of it.

Eventually, Cindy returned to Manitowoc, working full-time while earning her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Silver Lake College, all while raising her two eldest sons. She built a career in banking and finance, and wherever she went, people noticed her warmth, her humor, and the way she could make any day a little brighter.

In 1993, Cindy married the love of her life, Rick Oswald. Together they raised five children and welcomed a granddaughter. Their home was always full of laughter, love, and legendary celebrations. After 27 wonderful years together, they lost Rick to pancreatic cancer in 2020, but Cindy carried on with her usual courage, humor, and style.

Cindy could sew, craft, garden, paint, and decorate—but her real gift was making everyone feel welcome, appreciated, and loved. She loved to travel and explore the world, with recent journeys taking her to Amsterdam, Portugal, and Ireland. One of her most treasured adventures was visiting her great-grandparents’ hometown of Tranekaer, Denmark, with her sons and granddaughter.

Cindy gave so much to her community, enthusiastically volunteering and leading with heart at the Manitowoc County Criminal Justice Planning Council, Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary Club, Manitowoc County Domestic Violence Center, and the American Red Cross. In 2001, she was honored with the Chamber of Commerce Athena Leadership Award for her service.

She is survived by her children: Jason Chrest (Jaclyn) and their children Jasper and Maryelizabeth; Mark Chrest; Samuel Oswald; Earl Oswald; and Audrey Rasmussen. She is also survived by her brother Chris Rasmussen (Christine); brothers-in-law Jeffrey Oswald (Sandy) and Dean Oswald (Mary); nephews Gabriel Rasmussen, Derek Oswald (Shannon), Cody Oswald (Dayna), Andrew Oswald, Benjamin Oswald, and Matthew Oswald; nieces Selena Rasmussen, Margaret Oswald, Olivia Oswald, and Emma Oswald; lifelong friends Nan Hallock, Kathy Holschbach (“Boo Boo”), and Julie Maciejewski; and countless others whose lives she touched. She held a special place in her heart for all of the extended Kussow family and the fond memories with them on the family farm. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Janice Rasmussen, and her in-laws, Vern and Shirley Oswald.

Relatives and friends may call at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th Street, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to share memories of Cindy. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Cindy’s family would like to thank the Aurora Hospice Care team for their diligent and professional care as well as all of the family friends who generously provided time, comfort, and even meals to make things a little easier for them.

Cindy will be remembered for her laughter, her warmth, her generosity, and her unique gift for making every person feel special. She loved life, loved people, and loved to celebrate—and in true Cindy fashion, she’s probably already planning the next great party, making sure everyone is smiling, laughing, and feeling loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to either “Gumby’s Club Fore a Cure” who generously assisted Cindy and the family, or a fund created to better Cindy’s granddaughter Audrey’s future.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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