Thomas Rayford Oakes

Thomas Rayford Oakes, age 81, of Stillwater, MN died at his home on March 30, 2018 surrounded by family. Tom is survived by his loving wife and forever partner, Connie, children Terry (Kari) of Middleton, WI, Patricia (Tim) of Seattle, WA, Christopher (Laura) of St. Paul, MN, Jennifer (Ian) of Friday Harbor, WA, Michael (Regina) of Boulder, CO, Matthew (Renee) of Stillwater, MN, and Thomas (Maaya) of Seattle, WA, eleven grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rayford and Agnes, brothers Charles and James, and sister, Dolores. Tom lived a rich and vibrant life, immersed in his family and faith, with a never-ending curiosity of the world around him. He was a lifelong learner, expert road-tripper, master of the long story and corny joke, and never far from a fishing pole, handcrafted walking stick, or flower garden that needed tending. His tenderness for his grandchildren was endless; his passion for nature and the outdoors, ever-present; and his love for Connie, boundless. Tom was admired by those who had the good fortune to know him, and his gentle words, wisdom, and capacity to love are gifts we will hold forever. Tom grew up in Minneapolis, where he attended De La Salle High School, and attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, followed by graduate school at Washington State University-Pullman where he received his doctorate in chemistry. He did post-doctoral training at the University of Maryland, and became a tenured chemistry professor at Cleveland State University. Tom returned to Minnesota in 1973 to continue raising his growing family, moving to a small farm near Stillwater where he oversaw a small herd of cows and a very large garden. Tom worked at Ecolab as a research chemist for 30 years. Tom was proud of the numerous patents he developed as well as the many friends he made at Ecolab. The family offers heartfelt thanks to his wonderful caregivers. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Wednesday, April 4 , 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 423 S 5th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave. N, Stillwater, MN 55082 and also one hour prior to the Mass at church. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater, MN or the Union Gospel Mission.

Service Information

Public Viewing

Wednesday, April 4 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saint Mary's Catholic Church
423 S. 5th St.
Stillwater MN 55082

Mass

Wednesday, April 4 2018
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saint Mary's Catholic Church
423 S. 5th St.
Stillwater MN 55082