Marie Elizabeth Oakeson

Marie was born in 1934 to the late Herman and Margarete (Wandrei) Strodthoff. She graduated from Stout State College, Menomonie, WI, with a BS in Home Economics Education. Marie met her future husband, John Oakeson, at Stout State College and they were married on August 4, 1956. They lived in Holcomb, WI, and Glenwood City, WI, briefly before moving to Prairie du Sac, WI, where John was the principal at the High School. They moved to Merrillan, WI, where John was the Superintendent in Alma Center, WI, and then settled in Waunakee, WI, when John started working at CESA. They recently moved to Stoughton to be closer to their son. Marie was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She taught Home Economics while in Holcomb, was a bookkeeper and bank teller, and enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, and camping.

Marie is survived by her husband, John; a daughter, Kathryn (Jim Simonson) Pokorny of Merrillan, WI; a son, Steven (JoMarie) Oakeson of Evansville, WI; four grandchildren: Bridget (Alex) Schmidt, Brandon (Amber) Pokorny, Evan (Cassie) Oakeson, and Ryan Oakeson; three great grandchildren: Clayton Schmidt, Colton Schmidt, and Owen Pokorny; and many nieces and nephews. She would also like to acknowledge Julie (Weeks) Breunig.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margarete (Donald) Schultz; and her brother, Frederick “Fred” (Christine) Strodthoff.

Marie’s wish was to be cremated (Cremation Society of Madison) and her ashes kept in a mason jar (“Nothing fancy!”) until she could be buried with her loving husband at the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. No memorial service is planned, per her wishes.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Agrace Hospice and the staff at Milestone Senior Living in Stoughton. Your thoughtfulness and support are greatly appreciated.