Carol June Oak's Obituary
Carol June Oak passed away on November 8, 2025. She was born on June 9th, 1932, to Hank and Olivia Erdahl in Montpelier, North Dakota. Carol was the oldest girl to five younger brothers. She was baptized and confirmed in the Ypsilanti Lutheran Church, North Dakota. She graduated from Jamestown High School while helping her parents run the only grocery store in Ypsilanti.
After high school, Carol got additional schooling and received her teaching certificate. She then taught all ages in a one-room schoolhouse in Montpelier, North Dakota. After two years of teaching, she married Robert Oak. They had five children, Darrell Oak (Vicki), David Oak (Jody), Dale Oak, Alan Oak, and Jeanne Oak. Carol enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She especially enjoyed walking with them in her north Tacoma neighborhood and on the Tacoma waterfront until she was 91.
Carol and Robert moved to Washington in 1956 and lived in their Tacoma home for 63 years. She opened her heart and home to many families and friends when they needed a place to stay. Carol was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for decades. She sang in the choir, volunteered, visited and arranged many events for the elderly home, Jefferson House.
Carol visited patients at Western State Hospital. She had a wonderful voice and was a guest soloist for church, weddings, and funerals. Carol and Robert were active and very supportive of her children's bands and sports teams. They were arguably the loudest supporters on the sidelines. She was very active in PTA at Grant Elementary and Jason Lee Junior High. She even won the Golden Acorn Award for her outstanding volunteer work. She enjoyed being a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts for three years. In 1972, she went to Bates Community College and became a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Carol gave her all and retired after 14 years. She enjoyed walking and throughout the years she participated in 66 formal charity race walks in Washinton State. After her husband passed, Carol joined Volks Walk and registered six miles in all 50 states. She finished her last state of New Mexico at age 74. Carol enjoyed T.O.P.S and was a chapter leader for years. Her passion was helping people. She would show up to grocery shop, clean any home and cook when people were tired or ill. Carol was very loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband (1991), mother, father and three brothers.
Mom was an outstanding example of a selfless giving life. She had a very secure faith in Jesus. She loved
so many on her long journey to heaven. Well done, Mom! Until we meet again.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1315 N Stevens St. Tacoma, WA 98406 1:00 p.m. Lunch will follow the service.
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