Obituary of Evelyn G. Oaks

Funeral Services for Evelyn G. Oaks, 95, a lifelong resident of Iowa City, Iowa will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Gay & Ciha Funeral Service in Iowa City, Iowa. Following the service, burial will in Oakland Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4–8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 at Gay & Ciha Funeral Services. Evelyn (Evy) passed away Saturday, April 15th at Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville. Evelyn was born September 20, 1921 in Johnson County, Iowa; the eldest daughter of Edward and Marie Fuhrmeister. She was united in marriage to Luther James Oaks on September 10, 1939 in St. Charles, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 13, 1971. Evelyn graduated from University High School, Iowa City, Iowa in 1938 and attended Irish's Business College in Iowa City. She worked as a secretary at Sidwell Dairy and Ice Cream Company from 1939-1941. She had also worked as a secretary for Maher Brothers Transfer and Storage Company. Along with being a homemaker, she ran an in-home daycare for over 20 years and was honored with a "Worlds' Greatest Babysitter" plaque when she closed her business. Then, she was a secretary for the University of Iowa, Registrars’ Office, until she retired. After retiring Evelyn spent time volunteering at the Senior Center as well as reading to and writing letters to elementary school children. Evelyn enjoyed family, friends and good food. Her hobbies included gardening, playing bridge, reading, traveling, and watching Iowa sports as well as the Chicago Cubs. Her many travels included trips to the north-east to "whale watch", a Caribbean Cruise, the Ozarks, Washington DC, California and Florida to visit family. She also enjoyed writing about her childhood memories as a way of preserving the past for her family. Evelyn is survived by her children, Jim Oaks (Lois) of West Branch, Larry Oaks (Lynn) of Florida, Bob Oaks (Suzanne) of Missouri, David Oaks (Lorie Suter) of Iowa City, Diane Winter (Randy) of Florida and Steve Oaks of Iowa City; sister, Irene Roberts (George) of Michigan; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Luther; son, John Oaks; sisters, Viola Kanewske and Dorothy Dlouhy and granddaughter, Kristine. Online condolences may be shared with Evelyn’s family at www.gayandciha.com.