Juanita Rae Okerlund's Obituary
Mrs. Juanita Rae (Frizzell) Okerlund, born February 9, 1933, died in Muskegon, MI, on January 4, 2011. She was born to Raymond and Helen (Harris) Frizzell. On June 23, 1951, she married Paul Okerlund who preceded her in death. Juanita spent her entire life loving and serving others; her children Bruce (and Linda Mote) Okerlund, both of whom preceded her and Phillip; her grandchildren, Noelle (Tim) Franklyn, Mandy (Brian) Lund, Jared Wood, Paul (Iris Candelaria), Jami (John Blankenship), and Karl; her great-grandchildren Ryan Lund, Joel Franklyn, Natalie Franklyn and Lillian Lund; her sisters and families, Julia Carr, Joyce (Edward) Daily (who also preceded her), Janice (Ron) Stratton; her in-laws and families, Neva Westgate (survives her), Carl (Joan) Okerlund, Shirley (Bill) Rahn (survives her), Ruth (Wendell) Bengston; the many cousins and extended family members that she loved and thought of often (nothing was more important to her in the summer than her family reunions); the many wayward travelers that were invited into her home; her many friends and the many lives she touched through her work in retail and service industries (eventually retiring from Ryke’s Bakery). Every life that crossed her path was important to her. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church was her church home and she was devoted to the many friends and members she loved there. She served as teacher, funeral luncheon coordinator and shared her baking and cooking talents in particular her much requested Hot Cross Buns. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW #3734 and while she was younger and healthier was very active there. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 8, 2011, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (1655 Norton Ave.) with the Rev. Karen Biggerstaff officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 6-9 PM Friday at the church. Visitation will also be available on Saturday one hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to the American Kidney Fund. Arrangements handled by The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue (231) 726-5210. Sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com.
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