Clara Victoria Oakley Graveside services for Clara Victoria Oakley were held Wednesday, April 6, 1994, at 11:00 a.m. at the Manning City Cemetery, Manning, Iowa. Dr. Charles Curl of the United Methodist Church, Manning, Iowa, officiated the service with grandchildren: Greg Oakley, Robin Lynk, Scott Zimmerman, Cory Zimmerman, Tina Zimmerman, Michael Zimmerman, Todd Ramsey, Renee Willenborg, Kristie Odendahl, Jodie Odendahl and Jamie Odendahl being the casketbearers.

Clara, daughter of Rasmus and Christena (Petersen) Rasmussen, was born March 18, 1907, at Audubon, Iowa. After attending rural school she began working out for various families, caring for their homes and children. In 1927 Clara was united in marriage with Henry Petersen. After their three girls died in infancy they adopted a daughter. Henry died in 1934.

In 1945 Clara was united in marriage with George Oakley. Four daughters were born to this union. George died in 1956.

Clara was primarily a homemaker, however she worked at the local hatchery, did babysitting, and worked as a nurse's aide at the Manning Plaza. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a loyal volunteer at the congregate meals.

Clara was one of the first residents to move into the Terrace Apartments in Manning. When her health began to fail several years ago she lived with her daughter, Liz, before moving to the Friendship Home in Audubon. Later she became a resident of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home where she died on Sunday, April 3, 1994, at the age of 87 years and 16 days.

Besides her husbands and parents, Clara was preceded in death by five brothers: Art, Elmer, George, Chris, and Ray Rasmussen and by a great-grandchild, Samantha Schultes.

Survivors include her children: Carol Jean Oakley, of Virginia; Pat and her husband, Bob Zimmerman, of Mapleton; Lois and her husband, Jack Ramsey, Jr., of Manning; and Liz and her husband, Jim Odendahl, of Carroll; a son-in-law, Howard Oakley, of Virginia; 11 grandchildren: Gregory Oakley; Robin and her husband, Paul Lynk, Jr.; Scott Zimmerman and his wife, Christy; Cory Zimmerman and his wife, Holly; Mike Zimmerman; Tina Zimmerman and her friend, Kenneth Hopkins, Jr.; Todd Ramsey and his wife, Diane; Renee and her husband, Rick Willenborg; Kristie Odendahl; Jodie Odendahl; and Jamie Odendahl; 10 great-grandchildren: Christena Renee Lynk; Kevin, Torey, Matthew, and Maren Zimmerman; Joseph and Kenneth Hopkins; Tanya and Rebecca Ramsey; and Roxanne Willenborg; four sisters: Esther Hjuler, Mabel Rasmussen and Mattie Johnson of Audubon; and Minnie Lund of Vinton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.