Arden Herbert Oakley of Lake Odessa, Michigan, died July 13th, 2024, at the age of 85. Arden was born June 9, 1939, at home in Lake Ann, Michigan, to Herbert and June Oakley. He graduated from Kaleva High School in 1957 and joined the US Air Force where he served for four years. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Mae Pihl, on July 4, 1959. They raised four children in Kentwood, Michigan while he worked at RC Allen, White & White Medical Supply, and Mid-America Manufacturing. Arden was very active in coaching baseball and as a scout leader in Kentwood. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many hours in the woods and on the water. Arden retired to Traverse City, Michigan in 2001. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Janet and Thomas; and his wife of 49 years, Helen Oakley. He is survived by 4 children; Daniel (Sandra) Oakley, Cynthia (Matthew) June, David (Ellen) Oakley, and Rebecca (Michael) Smith; 18 grandchildren; Jeffrey Oakley, Elizabeth (Matthew) Fick, Nathaniel Oakley, Michael (Heather) Williams, Jennifer (Angelica) Garcia, Stephen (Danae) June, Cate June, Gary (Allison) June, Emily (Kaleb) Chesnic, Jessica (Peter) Igwenagha, Jonathon Oakley, Susanna (Sawyer) Schlarf, Kathryn (David Creedy) Little, Alexandra (Austin Trim) Little, Emilie Spang, Christopher (Hannah) Koti, Emily (Tom) Furrh, and Noah (Lizzy) Smith; 20 great grandchildren (soon to be 21); and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Rance (Patricia) Oakley; brother-in-law, Wayne (Roseann) Pihl; sister-in-law, Janet (Alan) Madsen; aunt, Barbara Swain; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Terwilliger Funeral Home, 9188 Osmo St, Kaleva, MI 49645, on August 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with family is available one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Lake Haven Rescue, in honor of his cat, Missy Mae, who was steadfast and by his side through his last eleven years.
Arden Herbert Oakley
06/09/1939
07/13/2024
3 Responses
Never met Arden Oakley, but I know his daughter Cindy who values faith and family, knowing that came from her up-bringing. I rejoice that he is reunited with the love of his life and has his place now in the Kingdom of God.
Heaven has another Angel , thank you for all you have done for all of us , You were a beacon of light that brought family together , you and Helen are together once again
Arden was one of the first people to welcome me and my husband to Traverse City; we were neighbors across Tibbets Lake. Walking into Peegeo’s to see his smiling face always made my day. I was so sorry to hear about his passing – but find comfort that he has his Helen (who he always spoke so fondly of) are reunited. Rest in peace, Arden. You will be remembered and missed by many. My sincere condolences to the Oakley family.