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

Eino Okkonen

November 13, 1939 - March 08, 2025

Share photos of Eino