Obituary: Woodrow Ralph Okerlund

Woodrow Ralph Okerlund passed away peacefully on Aug. 24, 2023 after a long battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. He was born July 27, 1947 in Blue Island, Illinois to Morris Okerlund and LaVerne Fikele. He joined the Marines in 1964 and proudly served his country, which included a tour in Vietnam, until he was honorably discharged in 1968 with a Purple Heart.

He met and married the love of his life, Kathleen Anne McGuire in 1977 in Costa Mesa, California. After attending Calvary Chapel Bible College in Twin Peaks, California, Woody was offered an Assistant Pastor’s position in Prescott, Arizona, which promoted their move in 1978.

He was a gifted musician and enjoyed using that gift as part of the worship team at Calvary Chapel Prescott through much of 80’s. Woody also worked for Borden/ Foremost and was eventually given the Prescott and surrounding areas route. In 1991 new opportunities arose and he started Prescott Ice and became known as The Ice Man in Prescott and surrounding areas. He sold Prescott Ice in 2001 but kept himself busy as he was a true entrepreneur. Throughout his life he coached many of his children’s sports teams including baseball and soccer. Woody loved the Lord, his family, and the Marines. He was a proud Marine until the day he died.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Roxanne Michaels and Charlene Witvoit and his son-in-law Justin Cotten.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathy; their son Matt Okerlund and his two sons; their daughter Beth Anne Cotten and her three daughters and two sons-in-law; their son Mike Okerlund and his wife Christa and their six children; their son Samuel Okerlund and his wife and their daughter; and his sister Debi Pitney and her son. He had 12 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Woody was a generous man who was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.

Information provided by the family.