OXENDALE, Lois (1935-2020)

OXENDALE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/7/2026 at 22:50:33

Lois Oxendale
September 28, 1935 - March 26, 2020

Lois Oxendale, age 84, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek, Iowa. Due to state and federal mandated guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa, with Pastor Ken Miller officiating. A Public Memorial Service and Visitation may be held at a later date. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Born September 28, 1935, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Lois was the daughter of Elmer and Emma (Hansen) Kessler. She attended country school and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1952. On February 17, 1957, Lois was united in marriage to Roland Oxendale at the Odebolt United Methodist church. A farming couple, Roland and Lois made their home north of Arthur until they purchased Wunschel's Grocery in 1968 when they moved to town. They owned and operated Lois' Grocery for seven years. She was a member of the Eastern Star, United Methodist Women and sang in the church choir. Residents of the Odebolt Nursing Home enjoyed many years of "sing alongs" with Lois at the piano. A fuel bottler position with Byron Originals led to operating Ida Grove's Aviation Expo concession stand and many other "projects" for the Byron Godbersen family. Lois joined the Arthur City Council in January 2000 and went on to serve as Mayor from January 2002 through February 2008. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Julie of Arthur, IA; granddaughter Alexandra Johanna Russell of Utah and grandson William Roland Russell of Colorado; brothers-in-law Leonard "Stub" Carstensen of Odebolt, IA and Jim (Pat) Oxendale of Ida Grove, IA; her beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Roland; her parents Elmer and Emma Kessler; sister Ferne Carstensen; in-laws Jim and Peg Oxendale; sister-in-law Shirley (Roy) Hemer; and brother-in-law John (Ila) Oxendale. Source - Christensen-VanHouten Funeral Services, 321 2nd St., Ida Grove, Iowa 51445