Loving mother and devoted wife, Paula Oakdale, of Sister Bay, known for her warmth and the way she made everyone around her feel special, died Friday, July 3, 2026 at home surrounded by those she held dear.
She was born April 28, 1944 in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of the late Richard and Anita Nebel. Paula graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1962. She received her undergraduate degree in Art History from Lawrence University where she met her future husband, Roger Oakdale. They were married September 10, 1966 in Sister Bay.
Paula was genuinely interested in everything and everyone. She approached every subject, every person, and every day with boundless curiosity and quiet delight. She found joy in life's simplest pleasures and had countless favorites. Her favorite drink was coffee, her favorite color was aqua blue, her favorite job was teaching art, and her favorite pastime was spending time with her family. These little favorites reflected the things she cherished most: a life filled with creativity, connection, and love.
Paula loved being around people and had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel truly seen and valued, whether they were a lifelong friend or someone she'd met only moments before. Her warmth was effortless and contagious. She listened with genuine interest, asked thoughtful questions, and made every conversation feel meaningful. Time spent with Paula almost always left you feeling lighter, happier, and grateful to have shared a moment with her.
Her love will live on in the hearts of her husband, Roger of Sister Bay; two children, Anne Diello and Jonathan Oakdale; two grandsons, Brighton and Tanner; two sisters, Valarie Clemen and Elaine Anschutz; and two brothers, Bryan Nebel and Richard Nebel. Paula's warmth, generosity, and zest for life touched everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
Her life will be honored with a memorial service held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the Oakdale family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Paula may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.
Paula's Sunday School teacher once told her, "Everybody has something special about them, and it's your job to find it." She accepted that as one of life's great callings, and everyone who knew her was better for it. As we remember Paula, may we continue her work by finding the special in those around us.
