Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend Don L. Okerlund passed away peacefully Mah 28, 2021 at the age of 74. He was born March 2, 1947 in Salina to Clyde and Helen Okerlund. Don always had a smile on his face and had a caring way of making everyone around him feel special.
He graduated from North Sevier High School in 1965. A spontaneous blind date a few years later led to him marrying his sweetheart, Jolayne. They were married June 15, 1968. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they raised four wonderful children.
Don and Jolayne spent their unselfish years as parents moving around to small communities like Emery, Castle Dale, Lyman, and Midway before returning to Salina. During those years they made lifelong friends and memories as they served in their communities and watched their children grown.
At an early age Don found a deep love for the mountains. A forestry merit badge in scouts paved the way for him to pursue a career in forest and wildlife management. He was proud to spend 45 years with the Forest Service, leaving his mark by beautifying the forest.
Hie knowledge and passion of the outdoors was shared with his family and friends. He loved pulling his trailer to his favorite camping spots, teaching his kids how to hunt, four-wheeling on every ATV trail, Dutch oven cooking his favorite dishes, and fishing every lake and stream on the Fishlake National Forest. Some of Don’s favorite memories usually involved the mountains and his family.
Don influenced the lives of so many individuals. He served as Bishop in the Salina 4th Ward and faithfully served in numerous other callings. He had a strong love and testimony for his Savior and Heavenly Father.
He was a gifted and skilled woodworker, having an eye for fine detail and craftsmanship. He designed a wide variety of crafts, ranging from doll furniture and wall décor to farm toys and toy guns. His legacy lives on for all in the items he built for so many people. He loved making Christmas morning special for all kids.
Don is survived by his wife, Jolayne, whom he loved for their 52 years of marriage; four children: Jason (Mary) Okerlund, Aurora; Justin (Tammy) Okerlund, Salina; Marlo (Jeremy) Taylor, Gunnison; and Tyler (Ashley) Okerlund, Spanish Fork; two siblings: Paul (Marsha) Okerlund, Salina; Janet (Jim) Towers, Murray; in laws: Terry (Sharon) Anderson, West Valley; Trisha (Dean) Mecham (Glenwood). He was blessed to have 16 beautiful grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren whom he adored so much.
He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Taylor Brynn Okerlund.
Don and his family would like to express gratitude to all friends, neighbors, and medical staff who have been so compassionate during his illness.