Melva Lois Oak, 87, Detriot Lakes, MN and formerly of Jamestown, ND broke free from the bondage of dementia on November 8, 2020, at Pelican Landing in Detroit Lakes, and flew away to join her family and friends who’ve passed before.

Melva Brosz was born on September 19, 1933, in Gackle, ND, to Oscar and Helen Brosz, their second and youngest child.  She spent her early childhood on the family farm and attended grade school in Gackle, until her family relocated to Jamestown.  She finished her school years there, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1951.

On August 1, 1956, she was joined in holy matrimony with Clarence Oak.  They made their home in Jamestown, raising three children.  Later, when her kids were older, she was asked to fill in at the fledgling Community Credit Union for another gal out on maternity leave.  She filled in for 20 years, rising to the level of Vice-President before retiring.  She was inducted into the Mid-America Credit Union Association Hall of Fame in 2009.

Melva was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and volunteering for various church functions.  During her later years in Jamestown, she helped provide communion to others who could not attend regular church service.

As part owners of Globe Travel for several years, Melva and Clarence hosted many tours and cruises, spending the golden years enjoying and celebrating their lives together.  When not sailing in the Caribbean, or boot-stomping in Branson, they loved to either host or participate in cards and dominoes parties with friends.  Melva was also an active member of the Red Hats Society.

However, nothing was more special to Melva than spending time with family.  She cherished the days with her children, grandchildren, and great0grandchildren, whether during holidays, birthdays, other special events or the annual family summer vacation at the lakes in Minnesota.

Melva is survived by her sons, Kevin (Greta) Oak, of Detroit Lakes, N, and Rick (Darcy) Oak, of Tigard, OR; six grandchildren, Heather, Allison, Samantha, Quillan, Tommy and Rueben; and four great-grandchildren, Logan, Mykhia, Madyson and Lillian.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Marvin; daughter, Deborah; and her husband, Clarence.

Because of the current pandemic, a formal service has not been scheduled but is expected to be next spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Cards may be sent to the family of Melva Oak, 15603 W Munson Ln, Detroit Lakes, MN  56501.