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Kirby Lee Oswald
2/22/1960 - 2/23/2025
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Obituary For Kirby Lee Oswald
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a Ride!’”
— Hunter S. Thompson
Kirby Lee Oswald lived exactly that way—full throttle, heart wide open, and always up for the next adventure. He turned 65 and a day, and on that extra day, he did what he loved most: rock hunting. Under a wide-open sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature, he left this world in the best way possible—doing what made him happiest.
A rockhound extraordinaire. A jack of all trades. A son, a little brother to three, a father of two, and a proud grandfather of three. A friend to many, with a heart bigger than most.
Always helping, always giving, and if you knew him, you knew—there is such a thing as
Kirby time.
Born on February 22, 1960, in Eureka, South Dakota, to Oliver and Norma Oswald, Kirby was raised on a farm alongside his three older siblings. That’s where his love for rocks began. His mom taught him how to spot the good ones—fossils, arrowheads, or just plain pretty. That passion stayed with him for life.
Kirby graduated from Eureka High School in 1978. After high school, he worked in the oil fields of Dickinson, North Dakota, where he met Patricia Bernhardt. The two married in the Black Hills in 1982 before settling on the family farm in Eureka, where they farmed side by side and raised their daughters, Kassandra and Kymberly.
Taking over for his father, Kirby ran the farm for the next 22 years, raising cattle and tending to the land. Over the years, he wore many hats—literally and figuratively. He operated a guided pheasant hunting company, Campbell County Pheasant Busters, welcoming hunters from across the country. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history, he took on the restoration of many aging barns in the area, and his tree business, Kutters Tree Service, not only kept him busy but introduced him to countless people who became lifelong friends.
After his daughters moved to Rapid City following high school, Kirby and Patricia soon followed, settling in the Black Hawk area. As his daughters moved on to new places, Kirby found himself migrating around the Hills, taking on different jobs, meeting new people, and, of course, discovering all the best rocks.
Whether it was farming, tree work, or fixing just about anything, Kirby never met a challenge he didn’t take on. But beyond the work, it was his passions that defined him—riding motorcycles in the Hills, making the annual pilgrimage to Sturgis, fishing, hunting, and, of course, rock hunting. More than anything, though, he lived to help others, never hesitating to lend a hand when needed.
Kirby now joins those who went before him: his dad, Oliver (2017), his brother, Clyde (2022), and his mom, Norma (2023).
He is survived by his daughters, Kassandra (Will) Hubbard, with grandchildren Anika and Tobin, and Kymberly (Ray) Allen, with granddaughter Olivia. He also leaves behind his sisters, Sherry Oswald (Robb Rasmussen) and Bev (Terry) Dye, as well as many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.
Kirby’s story wasn’t one of quiet moments and playing it safe. He lived fully, gave generously, and left us all with a reminder to chase what we love, help when we can, and never take life too seriously. His ride may have ended, but what a ride it was.
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Condolences
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03/05/2025
As Kirby's employer, I can attest to his character. He always went above and beyond the call of duty. 2am shift, 5 days a week and never missed a beat even when I asked him to take a day off because I could tell something was wrong, he was there. Never a single complaint. If more people in this world were like Kirby, it would be a much better place.
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03/02/2025
Kirby did tree work for us and he was the hardest working man! We paid him more than he charged as he worked so hard! After the trees were done we asked if he wanted some more work! He was such a help to us! He filled all our rock areas with more rock making it look so nice! After that, on to putting a new split rail fence up for us. Once again very reasonable price, he got paid more! This was all about 15 years ago. How many times I wished I could find Kirby again. I just ran across his business card a few months ago. I had tried the number years ago but never could get an answer. He was a great guy! God Bless you Kirby!
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03/01/2025
Kirby was always so kind. Always laughing and smiles . He always made time for his friends. I will always remember our adventures. Rip my friend Colleen Schmidt and family
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03/01/2025
Our prayers are with you! We enjoyed playing volleyball with Kirby when he lived in Eureka.
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03/01/2025
What a perfect description. "Kirby time" was something you had to adjust to! He was just a great human being with a huge heart. He will be missed greatly!
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03/01/2025
Well, to those of us who knew him in high school, he was Father Oswald. I don't remember him ever not having a smile. Everybody knew him as a jokester and just an all-around salt of the Earth kind of guy. My sympathies to his family. God bless his memory.
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03/01/2025
By gosh-I just tried calling him today-because I hadn't talked to him in a bit-just to chat. When I moved her from Wisconsin 6 yrs ago he was one of the 1st people I met-hitting it off-we'd get together and play cards-such a sweet man
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03/01/2025
My dear friend Ozz, so sad to hear of your passing. Like many here have posted you were one of the good ones with a kind heart. I know in my heart that there is a place for you in heaven. Get on that Harley and feel that wind in your face. God speed my friend. Wayne and Ann Shipley
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03/01/2025
I lived and worked with him and always went rock hunting together, and could tell stories for hours! He definitely was a good man.
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03/01/2025
I am saddened to see this. I always enjoyed my time with him. We shared many a hunting story, with beverages, and had a lot of laughs. God Speed, Bud!
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03/01/2025
I have great memories of Kirby during our years at EHS. Glad we were able to visit several years ago in Rapid City. Condolences to the entire Oswald family Debbie Kurle Erickson Class of 1978
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03/01/2025
So many memories that I could fill a book. Always laughing and that great smile that lit up his whole face. I will remember you forever and cherish those memories. Rest in peace my friend 🙏 Karla (Gross) Thompson
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03/01/2025
So sorry to hear about Kirby. He was our neighbor in Eureka and as a kid helped us gather up our bales. Our prayers to the family.
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03/01/2025
So sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Marty and Nancy Raba
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03/01/2025
I didnt get to know Kirby well, since we worked opposites shifts, but he always had a smile when we crossed paths, and will be missed by everyone at Rapid Shuttle. Rest Well bud, you have earned it.
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