Helen Luella Oxner

Helen Luella “Lou” Oxner, of Kankakee, went home to be with our Lord on JULY 3rd 2026 at the age of 95. She was born on August 18, 1930, the only daughter of Harry Dixson and Carrie Francis (Apperson) McCaslin, in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Lou married William Oxner, Sr, on April 10, 1955 in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He preceded her in death on December 28, 2016. Lou attended Bethany Nazarene College (southern Nazarene University) in Oklahoma and finished her teaching degree at Arkansas State University. She taught elementary school for over 50 years, including substitute teaching following her retirement. She loved teaching and over the years taught from first through sixth grade. Her favorite grade to teach was fourth. She often spoke of “teaching in the old days” and how much it meant to her. Lou’s husband, Bill, was a beloved pastor for the Church of the Nazarene and together they lovingly ministered throughout their calling to congregations in the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois and Oklahoma . Lou had numerous interests and hobbies and liked to keep busy. She had a good eye for color and fashion. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening, flower arranging and interior decorating. Lou was the mother of one son, William (Marlene) Oxner of Kansas City, Kansas; and one daughter, Donna Oxner of Kankakee. She was a loving “Mimi” to four grandchilden, Taylor (Lauren) Oxner, Lauren Carrie (Ryan) Wieser, Shelby (Samuel) Duce, and Michael Oxner. Four great grandchildren, Miles Oxner, Ellie Lou Wieser, Jack Duce, Ezra Duce. Other survivors include: one sister in law; Brenda Fay Doss of Calgary, Canada; and many caring nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, three brothers and four sisters-in-law: Myron (Ann) McCaslin, Robert (Charlene) McCaslin, Gerald (Lucille) McCaslin, Mary Frances Oxner Long, Tennie Lee Oxner Woods, Betty Jo Demetre of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Two brother-in-law Jerry Demetre, Bob Doss of Calgary Canada. Services will be held as follows: Visitation from 5pm-6pm, July 10th, 2026 Services at 6pm, July 10th, 2026 Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Please sign her online guestbook at jensenmemorialchapel.com