Steven Robert Oakland

Steven Robert Oakland, 65, of Rocklake, ND passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A Time of Sharing & Remembering will be Saturday evening from 6-8 pm along with a Celebration of Life Service to be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3:00pm at the Rock Lake Community Center in Rocklake, ND with the Rev. Kyle Trosen serving as the officiant. The interment will be held at All Nations Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. In honor of Steve’s easy-going nature, the celebration attire welcomes seed hats and blue jeans.

Born to Gunder and Doris (Thorson) Oakland on March 5, 1959, Steve was raised with his four siblings on the Oakland Family Farm. He graduated from Rock Lake High School in 1977 and subsequently graduated from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton with a degree in diesel mechanics. Upon graduation, Steve returned to Rocklake, and with his passion for the land, initially farmed with his father and two brothers.  Steve remained a farmer his entire life. 

On July 7, 1980, Steve married Kandace Bucholz at All Nations Lutheran Church in Rocklake. They welcomed two children; Shane Robert in 1982, and Kinsey Kae in 1986.

Steve loved “Life on the Prairie” and enjoyed all the good company in “God’s Country” where he was proud to farm within Howell Township. Dad could be found bullshitting with friends at Rock Lake Bar & Grill as he enjoyed sharing in many “sprinkles.” His jolly whistle when joining a room, followed by his ever-present smile will be just how he wants us to remember him.

Always willing to give back, he served his community as a volunteer driver for the Rock Lake ambulance, All Nations Lutheran Church elder, and a board member of Howell Township and North Central Grain Cooperative.  

One of Steve’s greatest joys was spending time with his three grandsons and showering them with his love. A favorite activity was taking them on Ranger rides (with an underlying motivation of trying to instill a desire for rock picking). In doing so, he cultivated fertile ground for “the boys” own growing love of the land. 

Steve is survived by his daughter Kinsey and her husband Adam Maertens, grandsons Aanders, Gunder & Ole, special friend Joanne Hendrickson, former wife Kandy Held, mother Doris Lien, siblings Gary Oakland, Gloria (Jim Gebur), Deb (Steve Hill), Wayne Oakland (Freda) and numerous nieces & nephews and many great-nieces & great-nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his son Shane Oakland, father Gunder Oakland, stepfather Leonard Lien, and sister-in-law Doreen Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Steve’s name may be sent to Rock Lake Boosters, PO Box 37, Rocklake, ND 58365 or the All Nations Lutheran Cemetery Fund, 22 Sibley Street, Rocklake, ND 58365.