Our sincere thanks to all who have contributed to our revitalization program. We could not do this without you! A list of organizations who have contributed are listed on "Donor" page.
LAST CHANCE! The opportunity to order & donate bricks for Adel's Oakdale Cemetery is coming to an end March 15, 2018. Please go to the "Fund-Raising" page to print an order form or pick one up at Adel City Hall. Orders and payments must be in by March 15. All bricks not yet used will be included in the Veterans' Plaza with construction scheduled for April as weather permits. Other cash donations are appreciated and will be accepted for on-going projects and maintenance. Thank you!
Check out updates under "Work in Progress", "Entrance", "Kiosk", and "Mausoleum" pages!!
We are now selling brick pavers for the flagpole plaza. And planters can be purchased as well. Please look under the "Fund-Raising" page.
Thank you to the Adel Legion Post 464 for their January 2018 donation of $1,000. Check it out on the "Donor List" page.
The Oakdale Pride committee and website was created out of a feeling that the City of Adel’s cemetery is more than merely a resting place for loved ones. It is an honorable and revered institution, fraught with history and memories and approximately 3,000 interments. Memorial Day weekend, flags and decorations beautify the cemetery. Being as old as it is (established in 1847), Oakdale needs rejuvenation. Upgrading and renewing can’t be a one-time task. It is an ongoing project that must have the support of the City, civic groups, and citizens to be a continued success. Oakdale Pride has met with City officials and has targeted several initial projects that not only involve the City, but need the commitment and involvement of all.
What exactly needs to be done to the cemetery – and who cares?
Start at the beginning - The entrance! The 1910 bridge had never been cleaned and was covered in soot and mold. We were able, with the City’s help, to have it power washed to give the bridge new life. The sign has been repaired and new lettering added. Please check it out under the "New Entrance" tab. New shrubs still need to be purchased and planted. Soon the entrance to Oakdale will once again be a point of pride!
A kiosk was built several years ago as an Eagle Scout project in order to display a map of the cemetery and a guide to the different plats. It needs to be renewed and the information kept updated.
The Mausoleum needs cleaning, concrete repair, and some landscaping updates to become a peaceful and pretty setting.
Visitors to the gravesites might appreciate some benches to sit on.
The ‘Flagpole’ area also could use enhancing to create a focal point at the entry to the cemetery as well as to make it a source of pride at Memorial Day and Veterans' Day ceremonies.
And calling all history buffs: how about adopting a monument in order to preserve Adel’s history of its founding families? A monument should be a lasting tribute to the memory of those who have lived here before us but who may not have anyone to take care it.
A governor of the State of Iowa rests in Oakdale. So does a bank robber. So do people whose name might be the reason for the name of the street you live on. Hawkeye fans may recognize the “Kinnick” name.
Photos of renditions of the proposals can be found on this website. The City has already begun work on several projects, but we need everyone to get involved. These projects require funds that simply are not available in the City’s budget. We welcome your feedback, your enthusiasm and your ideas to help make Oakdale Cemetery not just a place for those who have died, but a source of pride for the living.