Glenn Arnold Oakes, age 86, after a long battle with cancer passed away peacefully at his northern home in St. Germain, WI surrounded by his loving family on August 7, 2021. He was born in Waterford, WI on November 12, 1934, the son of Arnold W. Oakes and Irene M. Oakes (née Buckett). He lived most of his life in Racine, WI until he retired to Naples, FL.

Glenn was a graduate from St. Catherine's High School and served his country in the Army. He was wed in marriage to the love of his life Sandra (Dziekan) on October 24, 1959. Together they raised a beautiful family of four children: Lori (Cullen) Calame of Decatur, TX; Dan (Christine) Oakes of Union Grove, WI; Glenn (Marie-Claude) Oakes II of Bradenton, FL; Loni (Lee) Sucharda of Savannah, GA. His beautiful family grew with 10 grandchildren including: Ashley Scobee (Jared), Nicole Habern (Matt), Daniel Oakes (Kristi), Cullen Ross Calame (Sloane), Max Oakes (Kim), Paulina TeRonde (Lennon), Alec Sucharda, Jacob Oakes, Ryan Oakes, and Glenn A. Oakes III. He was further blessed with 9 great grandchildren: Ben Oakes, Rhett Scobee, Connor Oakes, Sandra Scobee, Dawson Calame, Hudson Habern, Matilda Calame, Joe Calame, and James Oakes.

Glenn inherited the family construction business A.W. Oakes & Son from his father and owned other companies such as the Racine landfill and GO of Wisconsin prior to them being sold. He still owned a real estate holding company Sekao, Inc. When he retired, he sold A.W. Oakes & Son to his son, Dan, who continues the family business with his two sons. He had an inner drive and was often heard asking "If it were yours, what would you do?" to encourage others around him to feel a part of the business and valued input from employees and advisors. "I'm not the smartest guy, but I know how to surround myself with smart people." He was known to bring a case of beer or diet Coke to workers, donuts to meetings, or make you a ring from a $2 bill.

He loved his family and enjoyed hosting family reunions in Naples, FL where he and Sandy resided during the winter months. He was full of adventure and traveled to many places and countries with friends and family. He enjoyed many hobbies such as golf, hunting, fishing, and Model A club, but his greatest passion was flying. His call letters were "104WM (Whiskey Mike). His friends would say that they could tell you a thousand stories.

Glenn loved golfing and was a former member of Country Club of Naples, FL, Windstar Country Club in Naples, and Meadowbrook Country Club in Racine, WI. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Glenn is survived by his wife Sandra, his four children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and sister Maryann Reeves.

"104 Whiskey Mike out"

Visitation will be held Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home located at 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant, WI.

A funeral mass will be held at noon on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, Mt. Pleasant, WI with Father Yamid officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:30 am – 11:45 am before mass begins. Following mass there will be full military honors. A private internment for immediate family only will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park cemetery located at 9000 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and condolences. In lieu of flowers please send any memorials to the Weidemann-Steiner Syndrome.

Service Details

A funeral Mass will be held at noon on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, Mt. Pleasant, WI with Father Yamid officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:30 am – 11:45 am before mass begins. Following Mass there will be full military honors. A private internment for immediate family only will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park cemetery located at 9000 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI. Visitation will be held Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home located at 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant, WI.

Memorial Suggestions

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and condolences. In lieu of flowers please send any memorials to the Weidemann-Steiner Syndrome. (By Mail: Checks payable to WSS Foundation,1314 44th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819; Online: WSSfoundation.org)