Stevan Richard Oakley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on October 12, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born in Garden City, Michigan in 1958, Steve moved with his family to Lake City, MI in 1973, where he met and married his soulmate and best friend Virginia Quist. They married in 1977 and went on to celebrate 46 years of marriage. Together, they built a home in Douglas, Michigan, raised two beloved children, Alex and Kara, and delighted in their granddaughters, Lyla and Kallan.
Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Western Michigan University and worked to ensure the safe, effective operation of Palisades Nuclear Plant for more than 40 years. He made extensive contributions to the Saugatuck-Douglas community, including terms on the school board for Saugatuck Public Schools and many years on the board for the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library.
Steve gave his heart, time, and energy to his family, who knew they could count on him for support during times of both joy and difficulty. He taught them so much about living, about taking risks and being adventurous. About being positive and living in the moment. About love and courage. Steve will be deeply missed, and his memory held close.
Steve is survived by his wife Virginia Oakley; daughter Kara Bodine and son-in-law Erik Bodine; granddaughters Lyla and Kallan Bodine; siblings Karen (William Knarian) Oakley and Darrell Oakley; in-laws Karen Donnelly, Lois (Karl) Schripsema; nieces/nephews Jeff, Theresa, John, Laura, and Kenny. He was preceded in death by his son, Alex Oakley; brother David Oakley; parents Richard and Janet Oakley.
Please visit www.chappellfuneralhome.com to view a more complete life story.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, https://www.sdlibrary.org/, 174 Center Street, PO Box 789, Douglas, MI 49406.