Eino Okkonen

Eino Okkonen

November 13, 1939 - March 08, 2025

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Obituary

MARSHALL - Arnie Okkonen, age 85, passed away at home on March 8, 2025. He was born on November 13, 1939, to Eino and Helvi Okkonen in Ashland, Wis. He was united in marriage to Sharlene Voelker on December 13, 1977. They were blessed with their son, Erik, who was their pride and joy.


Arnie served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1957 to 1965. He worked for Forest Products Laboratory in Madison for 39 years, retiring in 2000. He was an avid outdoorsman with a special love for elk hunting. He especially enjoyed sharing his passion with his son and a few close friends over the years.


He is survived by his son, Erik; sister-in-law, Hazel; nephews, Matti, Scott, Randy and Bradley; best friends, Regis (Ann) Miller and Kent McDonald; and his chosen family, Bob, Stacey, Cooper and Emily Barcas. Arnie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharlene; his parents; siblings, Wilho and Louise; and nephew, Alan.


The family would like to thank Maren Waddell, who was like a daughter to him, for being his live-in caretaker for the past several months. They would also like to thank Jessie Ann Huston for always being there to help, Jamie with SSM Health at Home for her determination and dedication, and Melissa and Kaitlyn with Agrace Hospice for their gentle care, kindness and compassion.


A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. The graveside service will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. Please wear your camouflage in honor of Arnie’s love of hunting.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420




Events

21
Visitation
Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
21
Funeral Service
Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
21
Graveside Service
Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions

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J
Jerry
Other •
Such a truely nice guy, could talk to anyone and who always seemed to have a grin on his face. He really loved the outdoors and will be missed by all of the hunting camps up in Herbster. Just so friendly. He was so oriud of Erik and talked positively about him any time I talked to him. He was a very good father. My condolences to Erick. Everyone that knew your dad, lo ved him. He will be missed by us all.
D
Doug
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Every Wednesday afternoon, from 2012 to 2022, Arnie and I met at the golf course, shook hands, and battled some unsuspecting team for nine holes of down-and-dirty, play-where-it-lies golf. When we were finished we’d meet on the patio of the club and have two beers, because Arnie was a two-beer guy. I’d buy the first one, and he’d buy the second one. Ice-cold Capital Amber draft was our poison. Arnie was an honest, sturdy man, who kept pushing forward no matter what. He did things the hard way, because there was a needed grit and honesty to it. He was a closed book, who every now and then let me in on what had been his wonderful life. I was always honored when Arnie would leak a detail or two about his beloved wife, Sharlene, who passed away years earlier, or son, Erik. He was a one-woman man, because there was only one Sharlene ... I never pushed for more information, because Arnie was not a man who would be pushed. Man, we liked each other, even though on the surface we were different in almost every way. I am sending regards and love to everybody who knew this very good man. I will miss him always.
BS
Bob & Stacey
Other •
Our lives changed forever when Arnie & Erik pulled into a hunting spot in Idaho. We were camping close to their camp. We became an instant family. Ours became theirs; theirs became ours. Arnie was meticulous with his camp set-up and with his camping supplies; always knowing where anything was. Throughout the years, it was texts and phone calls about life, kids, sports, and the upcoming hunting season. August's were filled with hope, Capital beers, crab boils, and love. September's were early morning alarms, prayers for a bug bull, and lots of laughs. Stories filled the hunting camp along with a few beers and "sips" of blackberry brandy. Regis always caught lots of memories! Arnie was kind, loyal, and true. It was an honor to call him Dad and to our kids, Grandpa Arnie, maybe an Uncle Arnie once in a while; while Erik was Grandpa Erik. :) We hope when we meet our maker, Arnie is there to greet us. Letting out his memorable laugh, giving us a big hug, and handing us a "sip" of blackberry. A toast to Arnie, "We do not remember the days, we remember the memories." Our forever love, Bob, Stacey, Cooper, & Emily
SS
Scott Snyder
Other •
Sharlene and Arnie were my parents close friends for years, Sharlene was like and aunt to us Snyder kids as she was always visiting Mother and Dad. Arnie and Dad were tied at the hips in regards to their hunting days. They loved getting out in the field, woods, tree stand for some great times. We were all saddened for Sharlene when she was diagnosed with cancer. Such a sad time for all of us to lose such a great lady. My sympathy goes out the Okonnen family and especially Erik. Rest in peace Arnie. The Snyder family loves you.

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