The funeral service for LuVern “Pete” Edward Oakland of Albert Lea will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. David Gray will officiate. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Albert Lea. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials will be donated to the Freeborn County Relay for Life.
Pete died Friday July 11, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Home from a long battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.
Pete was born April 1, 1937, in Gordonsville, Freeborn County, to Lawrence and Carol (Barber) Oakland. He graduated from Northwood, Iowa, high school. He moved to Albert Lea from the Gordonsville area in 1962. Pete was a member of the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea. He worked in the excavating business with his father and also drove school bus for the Northwood school district. Pete worked for Interstate Power Company/Alliant Energy for 42 years. He retired in 2002. From 1998-2001 he served as President for the IBEW local union 941. He was on the executive board from 1984-2001. Pete was chosen Elk of the year from Lodge 813 in May 2008.
Pete was a member of the Elks for 20 plus years serving as Exalted Ruler and Treasurer. He also belonged to the Moose Lodge, was a big fan of Tony Stewart NASCAR Racing. Pete enjoyed hunting and fishing. Pete was a great fan/driver of Stock Cars and established the first Demolition Derby in Glenville. Pete enjoyed playing poker with his card club friends and being a member of the Albert Lea Clown Troop. Pete’s family was especially important to him.
Pete is survived by his children: Valerie (Hans) Planchard of Kemah, Texas, Julie (Steve) Dahlby of River Falls, Wis., Bruce Oakland of Austin, Joyce Johnson and Butch Gardner of New Meadows, Idaho, Alan Reinken of Copan, Okla.; mother: Carol Oakland of Northwood, Iowa; grandchildren: Shannon Bauer (Heather), Stephanie Johnson (Tom), Stacy Adams, Nikki Steven (Wade), Derek Oakland and Destiny Oakland; great-grandchildren: Justice, Hailey, Alexis, Katelyn, Damien, Hannah, Ella, Liley and Jaxon; brothers and sisters: Darlene (Broyce) Larson of Waseca, Dale (Barb) Oakland of Brownsdale, David (Diane) Oakland of Albert Lea, Raymond (Sandi) Oakland of Battle Creek, Michigan, Barbara (Buzz) Larson of Waseca, Paul (Doris) Oakland of Fairmont, Dennis (Diana) Oakland of Albert Lea, Fran (John) Dahlum of Myrtle, LaVon (Greg) Bale of Battle Creek, Michigan and Vicki (Ronnie) Stricker of Northwood, Iowa; special companion: Kim Thomas of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews.
Pete is preceded in death by his father Lawrence Oakland on Nov. 8, 1990, and nephew Darin Oakland in August 2006.