Obituary of Donald C. Oakes

Donald C. Oakes, of Bradford, passed away suddenly on January 20, 2016 at the age of 81. Don was born May 19, 1934 in Superior, Wisconsin to Bert H. and Selma C. (Tollefsrud) Oakes. He was a longtime co-owner of Tool Grinding, Inc. and also a lifetime farmer, which was his passion. At the age of 20, Don met his wife in Minneapolis. He and Janice built their home with their own hands in Bradford on the family farm. They continued to live there for the next 57 years. Don served in the Minnesota National Guard for seven years. He grew his crops and raised his family in the faith of the Lord. He gave many years of faithful service at Oxlip Evangelical Free Church. Don's generosity and love of family will be cherished and deeply missed. Don is preceded in death by his parents Bert & Selma. He survived by his loving wife of 60 years Janice; children Colleen (Joe) Wagner, Michael (Kelly) Oakes and Kathi Oakes; grandchildren Ashley (Randy) Howman, Nicholas (Sam) Nelson, Christy (Chad) Rochwite, Tyler (Sirena) Oakes, Heather Oakes and Tate Oakes; great grandchildren Caleb Howman, Landon Nelson, Abigail Howman, Lincoln Nelson, Kerik Oakes and Owen Oakes; sister Nancy (Don) Iverson and many loving friends and relatives.