Sybil Oakland, age 98, of Fertile, MN, died Monday, October 12, 2015, in Riverview Hospital, Crookston, MN.


Sybil Olga Irene Bak was born September 20, 1917, the daughter of Ole and Ida (Garden) Bak near Gary, MN. At the young age of 14, she worked for several families, caring for children, doing chores and housework. On October 28, 1939, Sybil was united in marriage to Norman Oakland at the church parsonage in Fertile. The couple lived with Norman's parents until moving to the family farm in Sundal, where they raised their family. Over the years, they farmed together raising many crops and livestock. Norman passed away in December of 1973 and Sybil lived on the farm until moving into her home in Fertile in 1979.


Sybil was a lifelong active member of Sundal Lutheran Church where she participated in circle, WELCA, and helped make numerous quilt tops for Lutheran World Relief. Sybil was very passionate about the Project Linus Blanket project and in the past four years, Sybil made over 460 blankets for children. Sybil had a wonderful sense of humor which was evident by her smirky little smile she had whenever she was up to something! Sybil will be remembered for her knack for making buns, lefse and delicious cookies. Her favorite pastimes included playing her favorite card game, hand & foot; canning and gardening as well as being an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins; she especially enjoyed watching Kirby Puckett. Sybil always looked forward to family celebrations and get-togethers. She truly treasured time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Sybil is survived by two daughters, Senora Pederson of Fertile, MN and Donna (Kenneth) Trebesch of Duluth, MN; two sons, David (Lois) Oakland of Mahnomen, MN and Gene (Kay) Oakland of Gary, MN; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and several nephews.


She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman in 1973; four brothers: Silas, Herbert, Robert and Bertram; three sisters: Ruth, Lorna and Gloria; a niece, Vickie; a nephew, Daniel Bak and a son-in-law, Gene Pederson


Funeral Services were held on Monday, October 19, 2015. At 11:00 a.m. in Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN. Visitation was Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. in Sundal Lutheran Church. Visitation was also one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor John Ahola with Jenny Hanson serving as organist and special music provided by Jim and Dara Narum and the Oakland Family. Pallbearers were her grandsons: Brian Pederson, Keith Pederson, Greg Oakland, Jeremy Oakland, Jason Oakland, Jon Trebesch, Nate Trebesch, and Tony Trebesch. Honorary pallbearers were her granddaughters, great-grandchildren and Tom and Darlene Kronschnabel.


Interment was in Sundal Lutheran Cemetery.