Albert H. Oxley

Albert Howard Oxley, 98, of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg, Iowa, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa in Albert’s memory.

Albert Howard was born June 15, 1918, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Evabelle (Harrison) Oxley and James Oxley.  He received his education and graduated from Emmetsburg High School.  After graduation Albert entered the United States Navy where he served as a pharmacy first mate from 1938-1945 during World War II.  He was stationed in Iceland, South Pacific, and the Horn of Africa.

Albert was united in marriage to Dorothey Schnell on March 26, 1951.  They lived a short while in Iowa before moving to Chicago, Ill., where Albert worked at the United States Postal Service on the railroad line from Chicago to New York.  Albert and Dorothey lived in Chicago for eight years and were blessed with three children, Richard, Debra, and Albert Jr.

Albert and Dorothey moved to Corwith, Iowa, where he continued to work for the United States Postal Service.  Albert oversaw the family Century Farms.  He and Dorothey were blessed with three more children, Lee Ann, Merri Jean, and Jim.

In 1969, they moved to Clear Lake, where they settled on a small acreage.  Albert worked for the United States Postal Service in Mason City until his retirement in 1980.  Albert managed the family farms until his death.

Albert enjoyed fishing, gardening, and hunting.  He had his first deer hunt successfully at age 86.  He and Dorothey enjoyed traveling across the United States and abroad.  At age 96 Albert and all his children traveled to Alaska on a cruise and train.

Albert and his family always got together the week of the 4th of July every year.  This year they celebrated Albert’s 98th birthday.

Albert will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  He took great comfort in knowing that he has a close-knit family.

Albert is survived by his children, Richard Oxley (special friend, Joann) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Deb (Steve) Bower, of Inman, S.C., and their children, Michael, of Greenville, Wis., and Bryan (fiancé, Haleigh) of Fort Collins, Colo.; Albert Oxley, Jr., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Lee Ann (Mark) Braga and their children, David and Hollie, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Merri Jean (Bob) Jones and their children, Kerri, Christopher, and Rebecca, of Kingsport, Tenn.; and Jim Oxley, of Clear Lake.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Dorothey.