Steven Delbert Oxley

Steven Delbert Oxley, 75, of Champlin, was called home to be with the Lord on February 24, 2025, after a life filled with gratitude, faith, joy, laughter and love. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Steve found joy in life’s simple moments and cherished the people who filled them, especially his family.

Steve was born on August 10, 1949, and grew up in Crystal, MN, where he attended Catholic grade school and public high school.  After high school, Steve served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970.  He met the love of his life, Barbara, while attending North Hennepin College, and they married on August 11, 1973.  Together, they built a loving home in Champlin and raised a beautiful family, surrounded by lifelong friends and cherished neighbors.

 Steve worked as an electrician for many years before retiring in 2013 to care for his beloved wife during her battle with cancer. His devotion to Barb, who he often referred to as his “hummingbird”-his source of light, love, and happiness, was unmatched. Their bond was a testament to deep, abiding love, and his heart was forever changed after her passing.

Steve attended St. Gerards for many years. In his later years, Steve deepened his faith, attending Bible study and spiritual groups.  He found joy and fulfillment in his relationship with God, always striving to “work hard daily to love God”, as he expressed in his Bible study book.  Steve was also a member of a spiritual choir, performing in December 2022.

Outside of his spiritual life, Steven was a man with a wide range of interests.  He loved bowling, golfing, playing cards and board games, as well as reading the Bible, and spending time with family.  An avid sports fan, Steve could often be found passionately cheering on his children and grandchildren at their games.  He also enjoyed playing poker, darts, fishing, hunting, playing pool, and watching UFC fights. Steve believed in the power of laughter and his signature laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. His unwavering faith and deep connection to the Holy Spirit were a guiding force throughout his life, and he was deeply grateful for the relationships that shaped his journey—especially those with his wife, children, grandchildren, and the many mentors and friends who supported and loved him.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his sister, Janet Jones, and his brother, Joe. He is survived by children, Josie(Roger) Parkhurst, Julie (Ryan) Kazeck and Jeff(Keelia) Oxley; his eight grandchildren: Brandon Oxley, Dylan Parkhurst, Brynnlee Kazeck, Austin Oxley, Kiya Parkhurst, Brooklyn Kazeck, Lacie Oxley, and Evie Parkhurst; sisters: Lisa (Craig) Nordhaus and Sandy (George) Munger; his Reilly in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews, along with many loving family members and friends, including special friends Mike Bodin, Tom Leach, and Craig Shea. His spirit will live on in the laughter of his family, the memories we have, and the faith he so deeply held.

A celebration of Steven’s life and his transition to eternal rest will be held on March 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home in Osseo, with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will follow at the Osseo American Legion. A private interment at Fort Snelling will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a cancer research organization of your choice.