Benjamin A. Oswalt ’44

Ben died at a daughter's Illinois home June 28, 2004, after being diagnosed with cancer in late 2003. He was 83.

A native of Batavia, Ill., he came to Princeton via Culver Military Academy and Lawrenceville. He promptly made a Princeton name for himself as an outstanding diver on the swimming team.

Ben majored in English and joined Tiger Inn. His roommates included Dick Werbe, Bill Soons, and Jim Vauclain. He joined the Army in 1943, became a liaison pilot, and served in the Philippines and the occupation in Japan.

After the war, Ben worked in sales for his family's Campana Corp. in Batavia, and for nine years co-owned a radio station in nearby Aurora. While he lived for a time in Palm Beach, Fla., his roots remained in Kane County, where he also served as a probation/parole officer for nine years. His golf handicap was four while president of the Geneva Golf Club.

Ben is survived by Mary, his wife of 42 years; four children, Christine Kautz, Patti Oswalt, Melinda Ramsden, and Benjamin Oswalt; stepchildren Michael Meyer, Randy Meyer, and Holly Sparks; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Ben was a gentle, warm, and smiling friend for us all.

The Class of 1944