Clarence L. Oak

Clarence Lewis Oak, 82, Jamestown, ND, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2013, at Ave Maria Village in Jamestown.

Clarence was born on March 6, 1930, in Jamestown, to John and Pauline Oak, the sixth of their eight children. He attended Franklin School and Jamestown High School. He acquired his GED after enlisting in military service. He was a life-long member of St. John?s Lutheran Church, where he was confirmed on May 28, 1944.

In November 1947, Clarence joined the North Dakota National Guard and served until September 1949. He joined the U.S. Navy in August 1951, and served his country during the Korean War aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Bradford. He was discharged from military service in October 1954. After leaving the military, he began his 42-year railroad career with Northern Pacific, which later merged into Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

On August 1, 1956, Clarence was joined in holy matrimony with Melva Brosz. They made their home in Jamestown and raised three children. Clarence and Melva enjoyed throwing card and dominoes gatherings with friends, volunteering for church functions, and hosting tours and cruises as part-owners of Globe Travel.

Clarence was active in the local Eagles, Elks, and VFW clubs. After retiring from the railroad, he worked at the Super Wash Car Wash, where he enjoyed providing the customers with outstanding service. He had a strong desire to remain active, and enjoyed gardening and helping his neighbors with tasks around their homes and yards. But the time he cherished most was the time he spent doting on and spoiling his grandkids and great-grandkids, be it during summer vacations in Minnesota Lake country, birthdays and holidays.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Melva, of Jamestown; two sons, Kevin (Greta) Oak of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Rick (Darcy) Oak of Tigard, OR; six grandchildren, Heather, Alison, Samantha, Quillan, Tommy, and Rueben; three great-grandchildren, Logan, Mykhia, and Madyson; sister Roxanne and brother Harold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Debi, sisters LaRayne, Dorothy, Evelyn and Ethel, and brother Robert.