Lois M. Oakland

Lois Mae (Olson) Oakland, age 86, of Boyceville, passed away Friday, May 23, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie surrounded by her family.

Born March 2, 1928, at Knapp, to Maynard and Della (Stuart) Olson, Lois attended Tree Park and Wheeler State Graded elementary schools. She graduated in 1946 from Boyceville High School as co-valedictorian of her class. She then attended Eau Claire Vocational School. As a high school student, she worked during school vacations at the Doughboy Mills in New Richmond packing C-rations for the military.

She married Eldon Oakland on March 27, 1948. They farmed north of Downing and were blessed with three children: Gary, Daniel and Linda. In 1954, they sold the farm and moved to Boyceville. Lois began employment with the Boyceville School District as the first secretary in 1955.

In 1965, the love of country living led them to purchase the Oakland Ranch, as they call the 80-acre farm, 2 1/2 miles northwest of Boyceville. This was the perfect place to raise their family, which included her teenage siblings, Dennis and Muriel Olson. It wasn't long until the first of eight foster children joined the family over the next several years.

In 1975, family friend Joyce Hopkins became part of the family circle. Lois continued her work at the school and next to love for her family, this became her passion. She served as a Cub Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, and 4-H leader. Lois served several years as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and a council member at Trinity Lutheran Church. Lois also worked at the Tiffany Township election polls and served nine years on the board of directors for the Dunn County Food Pantry.

Lois suffered many health issues, yet remained positive and happy with her life as it was. In 1999, she retired from her work at Boyceville Community School District after 44 years. She loved nature, fishing, travel, bird watching, cooking and collecting baseball cards and memorabilia (especially that of Andy Pafko). Lois loved life, her Lord and her family. She believed in living her faith and sharing it with others.

Lois is survived by her sons and daughter: Gary (Susan) Oakland Wildomar, Calif., Daniel (Debra) Oakland Stoughton, and Linda Soleimani Boyceville; grandchildren, Jessica Oakland, Joseph (AnnMarie) Oakland, Amy Soleimani, Michelle Soleimani, Mark (Nicole) Soleimani, Heidi (Brian) Rhay; great-grandchildre,: Alexandra Lightner, Luke Oakland, Jared Kahlenberg, Zoe Soleimani. Kira Rhay, Maia Rhay and Brian Rhay; siblings, Jan Betzhold Apple Valley, Calif., Roger (Ruth) Olson, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Sharon (Douglas) , Menifee, Calif., Muriel Soden, La Habra, Calif.; brother-in-law David (Karen) Oakland Plymouth, Minn.; sister-in-laws, Orrinne (Kenneth) Johnson Menomonie, and Lauretta Oakland, North Glenn, Colo.; foster sons and their families, Stephan (Paola) Windsor, Clovis, Calif., Rick (Ann) Marshall, Aurora, Colo., and Doug Faas Eau Claire; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Oakland (April 2008); parents, Maynard and Della Olson; brother, Dennis Olson; brother-in-law, Henry Betzhold; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gordon Oakland, Doris Oakland, Charles Ninas, Jeanell Ninas, Verdell Oakland; and dear family friend, Joyce Hopkins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville, with Pastor Brad Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Falls Cemetery, Town of Red Cedar, Dunn County. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com