Kendell Oaks, 66, of Sioux Falls, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Westside Chapel. (6200 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls) For those who prefer not to attend the celebration at Miller Funeral Home, the family will gather at the Thirsty Duck (945 S. Marion Rd. Sioux Falls) from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

Kendell Dean Oaks was born October 31, 1958, at Fort Gordon Army Base in Georgia to Dean (Wendell) and ZoraMae (Anderberg) Oaks. The Oaks family moved to various towns in South Dakota, eventually settling in Tea. Kendell, also known as KDO, graduated from Lennox High School and started working in construction.

KDO was a man of few words, known for his dry wit. It was often difficult to tell whether he was being serious or just joking. He enjoyed listening to conversations and would chime in with his humor and knowledge when the moment was right. One of his favorite pastimes was working on crossword puzzles, in which he excelled. A gun enthusiast, KDO was a member of the Crooks Gun Club, boasting an impressive shooting average of 97%. He liked hunting and occasionally shared the story about how he shot three mallard ducks with one shot. Fishing was another passion of his, and on Saturday mornings, you could frequently find him enjoying the tranquility of the water while fishing. He was deeply devoted to his siblings and was always ready to defend them, especially his sisters. One of the highlights of KDO's life was a memorable vacation to Alaska with his nephew and brother.

Throughout his career, Kendell worked various construction jobs across the country before returning to Sioux Falls, where he was employed by Gage Brothers for 36 years until his retirement.

Kendell is survived by his sisters, Kim (Peter) Stark of Pottersville, NJ, ZoAnn Trumbull of Sioux Falls, SD; and brother, Kevin (Nancy) Oaks of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as his nephews, Trevor, Nicholas, Elliott, Peter, Shane, Bryce, Alex, and Kiefer; niece, Caroline; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a number of special friends at the Thirsty Duck Bar & Grill.

He was preceded in death by his special friend, Linda Foster, his parents, and his brother-in-law, Greg Trumbull.