Walter D. Okken, 83

Walter D. Okken passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021.

Walter was born in Burt, North Dakota, on Dec. 17, 1937, to Harry and Anna Okken and grew up in New Leipzig, North Dakota. Walt had five siblings, Elmer, Arvin, George, Lavern and Gary. Later his family moved to Anaconda where he met and fell in love with Mary E. Potter from Butte.

Walt and Mary were later married on July 25, 1958. Walt, Mary, George and his wife Claudine traveled together “working iron” for six years before settling down in Kalispell where he was with the local Ironworkers Union. As an ironworker, Walt worked jobs such as the Libby Dam project; he spent two years in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, building the pipeline; he built the new Edgerton school in Kalispell; and many other jobs in locations such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, Colstrip, Montana, and Rapid City, South Dakota.

Walt and Mary have two daughters, Kathy and Carol. They raised their family in Lakeside on the beautiful Flathead Lake, where they still have the family home.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Anna, as well as three of his brothers, Elmer, Arvin and George.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, at the family home in Lakeside; his daughters, Kathy (Paris) Wright and Carol Parkman; his grandson, Jon (Sarah) Parkman; two great-grandchildren, Ryker and Isley; his sister, Lavern (Ken) Woosley, and brother Gary Okken; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Walt chose his friends carefully and wisely, but once you were his friend you were a friend for life. He would do anything for you and was always more than willing to do a “welding job” as a favor to someone in need. He adored Ryker and Isley and they are the true reason he remained with us these past years. We will truly miss our wonderful husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great-grandpa. We will see you again in heaven one day.

The family will be having a small private memorial service due to Covid later this summer with family and close friends.