Dr. Carl Osuch, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 24, 2018 at Finley Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday June 29, 2018 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Pastor Hal Murray officiating. Gathering of family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Church, followed by the American Legion’s color guard and salute. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, is assisting the family.
Carl was born on February 2, 1925 in Chicago, IL the son of Marjan and Helena (Polek) Osuch. From 1943 to 1946 he served in the infantry in central Europe in WWII. He received a purple heart and was honorably discharged.
Carl attended Antioch College in Yellowsprings, OH from until 1950. While there, he met Gwyneth Louise Erion and they married in 1948. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Pittsburg in 1955. After 9 years in industrial chemistry, Carl took a position in teaching and research at the University of Dubuque in 1964, where he worked until retirement in 1990. He served as chair of the Natural Science division there for approximately 10 years, beginning in 1974. During his time at the U. of D. and some years after retirement he volunteered as a forensic chemist for the Dubuque Police Department.
Carl was known for his quiet subtle humor, his love of nature (canoeing, camping, bird watching), eagerness to travel including bicycle touring, and his never-ending devotion to Gwyn. As a father he was at times perfectionistic and demanding and at others caring and comforting.
He is survived by his 4 children, Christopher Erion (Lili Han) Osuch, Jonathan Carl (Frances) Osuch, Pamela Lyn Osuch, and Elizabeth Ann (Murray Shaw) Osuch; granddaughter’s Rachel Katherine Young and Micaela Maria Osuch; and great granddaughter Lucinda Diamond Ryan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers (Marian, Theodor), their wives (Jean, Shirley) and his loving wife Gwyneth.
The family wishes to extend a thank you to Bethany Home for all their compassionate care and kindness.
Memorials may be given to Bethany Home or Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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