Memorial

William Michael Oakley, 78, the best husband, father, papa and protector entered into Heaven on August 23, 2026.  He always had our backs no questions asked.  He was born July 27, 1948 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William Charles and Rose Mary (Bethen) Oakley.  He graduated from Prairie High School in 1967.  Following High School, he joined the army with a tour of duty in Germany and Vietnam.  He then worked for Kraft Nabisco as a driver and warehouse foreman for 40.5 years.  Later he worked for McGrath Chevyland as a courtesy driver for 7 years.  He met the love of his life, Victoria Jan Hulshizer in 1974 and they were married on July 5, 1975.  

In September 1978 they welcomed a daughter, Janet Ann.  In July 1984 Christopher Michael joined the family.  Our family was complete.

We observed 51 years of marriage in July and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  We were devastated when we found out in August, he had pancreas and liver cancer and was put into Hospice on Aug 7, 2026.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Victoria, his brother, John (Teresa) Oakley, his children: Janet (Doug) Henry and Christopher Oakley, his three grandsons:  Nickolas, Matthew and William Henry and his brother-in-law Frank (Susan) Hulshizer  

He was preceded in death by his parents:  Bill and Rose Oakley, his sister: Linda Kay Hines, his in-laws:  Frank and Julia Hulshizer and his sister-in-law:  Kathleen Oakley

Thank you to West Ridge Care and all who served him during his final days.  Thank you also to St Lukes’s Hospice who took care of Bill and guided the family through the process.  We know Bill is now in Heaven with his family.  You can make donations to West Ridge Care Center or St. Luke’s Hospice in memory of Bill.

Cedar Memorial is taking care of his arrangements.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.  Following visitation, Pastor Rhea Evanson (Hope Lutheran Church) will officiate a graveside service at 3:00 PM with full Military rites per Bill’s request. Vat Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.