Mark Oakley

Mark Christopher Oakley, 71, of Sandyville, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife at his side on March 29, 2025. He was born on March 14, 1954, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles and Mary (Kunz) Oakley. Mark was a proud graduate of Southeast Warren High School, Class of 1972, where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He dedicated many years of his life to public service, beginning his career with the state of Iowa in the Wallace Building on January 14, 1983. With an engineer's license in HVAC systems, Mark became an expert in boiler maintenance, leading him to a position at the Newton Correctional Facility in 1997. He often joked that he "got out" of prison on a Friday-January 18, 2013. A deep thinker, Mark was always focused on the big picture, solving problems with persistence and ingenuity. He had a lifelong passion for farming, balancing his career with his work as a farmhand for Craig Hill before purchasing his own 80-acre farm in March 1993. Mark could build anything from "pre-existing inventory" and fix just about anything-from neighbors' machinery to the family's treasured John Deere 530 tractor. Nothing was too large or too small for his skilled hands. Mark's personal life was filled with love and devotion. He married his first wife, Jenny, on January 6, 1979, and together they welcomed their children, Shane and Erica. Later, he met his second wife, Marie, while both were working at Newton Correctional Facility. They often joked that they met in prison, but their love was anything but confined. They married on February 14, 2010, at their beloved farm. Camping was a lifelong passion for Mark, and he cherished the time spent outdoors with his family, creating lasting memories under the open sky. Whether it was a simple weekend getaway or a more adventurous excursion, he found peace and joy in the great outdoors. Another shared adventure he enjoyed was searching for the perfect pedal tractor with Marie-a hobby that combined his love for restoration and his appreciation for the past. Mark was always ready to lend a hand, from helping his children with house projects to moving them from one town to another-once even using a grain truck. He masterminded all aspects of Oakley Farms, ensuring every piece of equipment was maintained in pristine condition. If he couldn't fix it, it was truly broken. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Oakley, and his best fur baby, Koda. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Oakley; his children, Shane (Erin) Oakley and Erica (Korey) McKasson; and his grandchildren, Madysen and Quinten McKasson and Remington Oakley. He is also survived by his siblings, Denny (Michelle) Oakley, Jim (Cathy Vanderlinden) Oakley, Joe (Sandy) Oakley, Lex (DeAnn) Oakley, and Ann (Tim) Newby; as well as his in-laws, Kathy McDonald, Tom (Lori) Norem, and Tony (Karen) Norem. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional in-home care during Mark's final days. In honor of Mark's memory, donations may be made to the Infusion Center at Knoxville Hospital. Online donations can be made at: https://knoxvillehospital.org/foundation/donate-to-khc/#infusion. Mark wished to be remembered as a fair person, and his legacy of kindness, ingenuity, and hard work will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. A celebration of Mark's life will be held Wednesday April 2nd, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. A live stream will be on Mark's obituary page at pierschbacherfuneralhome.com. Burial will be at the Sandyville Cemetery at a later date. Rest easy, Mark. If heaven has a farm, we know you're already out there fixing the equipment.