Leon Okerlund

Leon Charles ""Okey"" Okerlund, 65, Jamestown, ND passed away on February 17, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN.

Leon was born on February 23, 1945 to Arthur and Edna (Raile) Okerlund in Fargo, ND. Leon grew up in Kulm, ND and graduated from Kulm High School in 1963. Following graduation, Leon joined the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge four years later. Leon went on to attend Ellendale College concurrently working for the Ellendale Police Department and later attending the University of Louisville, KY. In 1968, Leon joined the Jamestown Police Department and was nominated Police Officer of the Year in 1972 by the Jamestown Jaycees. In 2007, Leon retired from the Jamestown Police Departement after 39 years of distinguished service. Following retirement, Leon worked in sales at Don Wilhelm, Inc. and SCG as a Security Officer for the Social Security Office up until his illness on October 2, 2010. Leon married the love of his life, Florine Schulz, in August 1993.

Leon was an avid football fan and coached 5th and 6th grade football. He also enjoyed coaching girls softball, playing cards, fishing, cars (MOPAR), telling jokes and helping others. Leon loved his community. He was most proud of being a grandpa and loving his family.

Leon is survived by his wife, Florine, Jamestown; three children, Justin Okerlund (friend Allison), Jamestown, Bobby Jo Larson (fiancee' Mitch), Jamestown and Chad (Tiffany) Gosney, Olympia, WA; three grandchildren, Zackary Larson, Gage and Makenna Gosney; one sister, Cheryl (Gail) Zimmerman, Mesa, AZ; two brothers, Richard (Kathy) Okerlund, Bismarck, ND and Timothy (Connie) Okerlund, Dickinson, ND; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Aesoph and Alvina Schulz, Jamestown; three brothers-in-law, Myron (Renee) Schulz, Jamestown, Floyd (Joey) Schulz, Carrington, ND and Glenn (Stacy) Schulz, Jamestown; two sisters-in-law, Elenora Ruetter, Fargo, ND and Karen (Tim) Hornung, Cooperstown, ND; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.