Isaac “Ike” Anthony Okke was born on April 30, 1931 to Anthony and Anna (Gutzmer) Okke. Ike’s family lived north of Moorhead until he was 11 years old. At the young age of “I suppose 7 years old”, Ike became a cowboy and broke and trained horses for his dad and his love of horses was kindled. The family then moved to a farm West of Hawley. Ike attended the country school and first met Katie. On October 16, 1952, Ike enlisted in the Army and bravely served his country during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Ike and Kathleen “Katie” Perkins reconnected at the Hawley Drive-In. They were united in marriage on June 3, 1956 at Hawley Lutheran Church. For two years Ike worked for & lived at Jepson Farms of Glyndon and for Ames Sand & Gravel. Ike and Katie welcomed their daughter Leslie into the family. They then moved to a home northeast of Glyndon where Ike worked for Ames in their pit and on the dairy farm. Daughters Alison and Robin were born. In 1969, they built a home in Section 2 of Spring Prairie Township and their son, Matthew, was born. For the next 47 years, Ike spent his days doing what he loved-raising a family with Katie, building a beef cattle ranch and for 30 years operated a loader for Ames/Northern Improvement.

Ike’s dream was that Matt would “take over this place” (the farm); so in 2016, he and Katie moved to Moorhead. Through the summer of 2023, Ike would go to the farm daily to do chores, hay, work on machinery, and oversee the cattle operation. The last five months, Ike and Katie lived at the Bethany Living Center. On Friday, February 27, at the age of 94, Ike entered into the presence of the Lord with his family by his side.

Isaac’s greatest joy was spending time with Katie, his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, going to rodeos, and watching westerns. But Ike’s “hands were always working” and he had a passion for raising cattle, riding horse, fencing, haying and fixing machinery “just like downtown”! Ike leaves a legacy of true grit, love for the family and the ranch.

Ike and Katie were active members at Scandia Lutheran Church in Averill for 50 years. Ike didn’t like titles; but he was always willing to serve and do what needed to be done. For over 60 years, they belonged to the Hawley Golden Riders. Many lifelong friendships were forged throughout the years.

Ike is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Katie. His children: Leslie Johnson, Alison (Jeff Rasmussen) Nash, Robin (Terry) Erickson and Matt (Melody) Okke. Grandchildren: Adria (Dusty) Litzinger, Paige (Dave) Krause, Heather (Chuck) Goulet, Holly (Blaine) Johner, Mason (Cydney Peterson) Okke, Morgan (Conner) Herren, and Max (Kally Wojciechowski) Okke. Great grandchildren: Ryder, Roegan & Radley Litzinger, Everett & Isaac Krause, Rheo, Emmy & Allie Goulet, Jaxon & Jace Johner and Baby Herren, due in June. Sister-in-law Judy Okke, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ike is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-Fred, Robert, Walter and John; son-in-law Les Johnson; and parents-in-law Jim and Avis Perkins; brother-in-law and his wife Dale and Jackie Perkins.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, followed by the memorial service with Livestream at 2:00 PM, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at Scandia Lutheran Cemetery.