Robert D. “Bob” Okke

Robert Dale “Bob” Okke, age 87, of Hawley, MN, passed away on March 11, 2022, at Sanford hospital surrounded by his family.

Bob was born on April 14, 1934, to Anthony and Anna (Gutzmer) Okke. He was married to Bonnie Jensen, they had 2 children, Lorrie and Kevin. In 1972, he married Carol Norman. Bob and Carol made their home in Hawley, MN, until Carol passed away in 2011. Bob worked for Northern Pacific for 2 years and the remaining of his career with Ames Sand and Gravel, which later was bought out by Northern Improvement. While working for Ames, he started out driving cement trucks, gravel trucks, dragline, grader, and later became a loader operator. Bob retired in 2009.

Bob was a very caring person who loved his family, looking at gravel pits, visiting with friends and neighbors, and riding his Cub Cadet lawnmower.

He is survived by five daughters, Lorrie Cole (Jim), Hawley, MN, Julie Norman (Sam), Fargo, ND, Truda Lehrke, Hawley, MN, Amy (Dustin) Softing, Hawley, MN, Wendy (Andy) Somdahl, Hawley, MN; one son, Kevin Okke, Hawley, MN; two brothers, Ike (Katie) Okke, Moorhead, and John (Judy) Okke, Pelican Rapids, MN; fourteen grandchildren, Skylar (Tiffany), Nick (Brittney), Justin (Jamee), Casey (Damon), Beautiful (Clayton), Jonathan (Erin), Bryantt (Brittany), Chelsea (Ethan) Nate, Aundie (Jake), Laine (Hailly), Aeriana, Jesa and Layce; twelve great-grandchildren, and his dog, Peanut.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; and brothers, Walter Okke and Fred Okke.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 5-7 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Visitation will continue Friday, March 18, 2022, from 10-11 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 at Solem Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN.

Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery.