David Karl Oshel

David “Dave” Karl Oshel was born on 25 February 1946 in Berwyn, Illinois. He died 21 November 2024 at the Casper Hospice. The cause of death was due to symptoms of Myopathy caused by Agent Orange exposure during his time serving in Vietnam.

Those surviving Dave are as follows: His wife of nearly 39 years, Linda Oshel of Casper,His brother Doug and wife Christine Oshel of Downer’s Grove, Illinois, His daughters, twins Heidi Oshel of Gillette, Wyoming, Heather (Oshel) Saul and her husband Dave Saul and granddaughters Anyssa, Kelcie and Madison of Lingle, Wyoming, Stepson Andrew Luscomb and wife Faye of Wall, Mississippi, Stepbrother Jim Simantel and wife Lyn of Florida

Family members that preceded Dave in death are:Mother Bernadette Oshel, Father Charles Oshel, Stepmother Esther Ross Oshel, Nephew Rocky Oshel, Niece Candy Oshel, Stepbrothers Milt Simantel and Al Simantel, Sister-in-law Jan Oshel

There are no services scheduled currently, however plans are being made for a Celebration of Life for a later date.

 Dave went to school in Illinois, graduating from Naperville Central High School in 1965. Dave enjoyed sports, especially baseball and basketball. Later, as he grew into adulthood, he started collecting sports cards and even owned and operated a sports cards store for some time.

Dave entered the US Army 30 November 1965. After basic training and AIT, he was sent to Vietnam. He was in the 1st Infantry Division in a Ranger Unit at Lai Khe. His advanced training was in Power Generator Repair, but that was second to his primary duties as assigned in search and destroy missions. Dave and his unit were exposed to large amounts of Agent Orange during their time out on patrol. 

Dave was wounded twice during his service, once by a sniper and once by a mortar round.

Dave was honored with the following ribbons and accommodations: National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart (2 accommodations), Combat Infantryman Badge and Marksman Qualification with Rifle.

Dave also enlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard in the NCO/Officer Academy, where he served as a cook. He ended his service after several years serving with the National Guard.

Dave was always friendly and full of fun. There were no strangers in Dave’s life, just friends he hadn’t yet met. Dave had such a gift of gab, able to talk to anyone. This skill helped in many of his adventures in life. 

Dave received his advanced EMT training in both Iowa and Wyoming. Dave was very caring for all the patients and people that he encountered. His friendly personality was often calming and stable during stressful moments. Dave also worked as a volunteer fireman with the Lingle Fire Department. There wasn’t much of anything that he wouldn’t do to help.

Dave had a friendly personality that impacted many. He was loved and will be remembered by many. 

Dave’s wife Linda will always remember him as her soul mate, best friend, confidant, loving husband and best of all, her Honey Bunny. He was always looking out for her and keeping her safe, as she did him.