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With deep sorrow, yet grateful for the life and memories we are blessed with, we share that our dad, Robert "Bob" Louis Okerlund, passed away on August 10, 2026.
Dad was born on July 8, 1938, in Jamestown, NY, to Alvin and Ida Johnson Okerlund. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marcia, on January 10, 2026. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Kara Louise; his parents; his siblings, Ronald, Monte, Donna, and Lanny; and his two favorite canines, Mollie and Mickey.
Dad proudly served in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 19551963. He worked for many years at Mayville Realty, Inc., eventually becoming the sole owner of Mayville Tremaine Insurance Company before retiring in the early 2000s.
Dad married the love of his life, Marcia M. Hayward, whom he lovingly called "Marsh," on October 16, 1960, in Dewittville, NY. Together, they began building their life in a little red house on Plank Road in Hartfield. It was there that they dreamed, planned, and eventually decided to purchase property and create Wee Wood Trailer Park -- a community for senior citizens. What began as a piece of land became a place where people could find a home, friendship, and community, reflecting their desire to create something that would bless others.
Years later, when Dad came upon the perfect piece of land on Bliss Road in Westfield, he brought Mom to sit on a rock overlooking the ravine, where they, again, dreamed together about the house they could one day build there and the retirement years they would spend in it. Dad loved spending hours on his tractor, clearing the land and felling trees in preparation. Together, they built the home of their dreams, doing much of the design and woodwork themselves. It was another reflection of the life they shared -- a life of dreaming, building, and creating.
Dad found great joy in his woodshop, restoring old things that needed repair and creating new treasures for his children and grandchildren. He had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything. When we were kids, he spent countless hours tinkering in the garage, figuring out how to repair a car, mend what was broken, or simply make something work again. That gift stayed with him throughout his life.
Even after retirement, Dad continued to share his time and talents, helping his children repair, build, and improve things in our homes. He was always willing to lend a hand, never hesitating to tackle whatever needed fixing. Knowing Dad was there meant knowing that, somehow, he would find a way to make things right.
Whether riding along with Marsh to rescue a dog, repairing or building whatever was needed at the NCCR Shelter, or driving someone to Florida so they could enjoy winters in the sun, Dad was always ready to lend a hand. He found just as much joy in taking his beloved dog, Mollie, to local nursing homes, where the two of them would show off their tricks and bring smiles to the residents. Dad had a generous heart and a genuine desire to serve others.
Whether he was fixing something, lending his time, or simply bringing a little joy to someone's day, he was always looking for a way to make a difference.
Dad was a longtime member of Dewittville U.M. Church, where he and Mom formed special, lifelong friendships and made memories that still bring laughter to our family today. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. One of our favorite examples was the annual White Elephant gift exchange, where an urn seemed to repeatedly find its way back into the rotation.
Rather than being bothered by its persistent return, Dad saw an opportunity to have a little fun with it.
He turned the urn into a lamp -- a fitting reflection of Dad's ability to make something useful out of almost anything and, more importantly, to find the humor in it along the way.
Dad taught Sunday School for many years and faithfully served on the church board. It was during his years at Dewittville U.M. Church that Dad gave his heart to Jesus and began walking in a close, personal relationship with his Savior. His family witnessed the transformation as the Lord renewed his mind and changed his heart, and we are grateful to have seen his life become a testimony of what it means to be made new in Christ. Dad also spent many years serving on the board of the Boys JIM Club in Bemus Point, NY.
We think Dad's greatest legacy, however, was the family he and Mom built together. He is survived by his children, Kevin Okerlund, Kolleen (Pa trick) Lucariello, Kris Okerlund, and Kenda (Dave) Beckwith; his 16 grandchildren, Adam, Kristen, Sarah R., Nicole, Matthew, Alicia, Emi ly, Alex, Lucas, Aaron, Michael, Marissa, Anna, Sarah D., Andrew, and Jacob; their spouses; and 27 great-grandchildren.
When Alzheimer's began to steal Dad from us and it became necessary for him to receive care, God blessed our family by providing an incredible team of caregivers through Best Care Coordinators.
We are deeply grateful to Terri Lynn and her team: Amanda, Josh, Kim, Natalie, Jessica, Kristina, and the many others who cared for Dad with such outstanding compassion, pati ence, and dignity over the years, and especially during the final months of his decline. Their kindness and commitment allowed Dad to remain surrounded by familiar people and in the comfort of his home, and they became an important part of our family's journey. We will always appreciate the way they cared for Dad and Mom and walked alongside our family during such a difficult season.
At Dad's request, the family will meet at their convenience for a private burial service. There will be no public calling hours.