David William Okerlund ….

David William Okerlund

1937-2022

David William Okerlund, age 84, passed away peacefully the morning of April 6. Known as Dave to his friends (and Dave O to his kids’ friends), Dave was a gregarious and amusing character with a heart for fun and family. Born in Seattle, Washington, on Sept. 28, 1937, David was the youngest child and only son of Maxine and Sheridan Okerlund. In 1946, David moved with his family to the Palm Springs area, finally settling in Indio. He attended Coachella Valley High School before graduating from the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad in 1955. A gifted athlete, David lettered in four sports in his senior year and was named Best Athlete 1955. After high school, David worked at the Yellow Mart in both Blythe and Indio with his brother-in-law, Russell Friestad, before moving into wholesale sporting goods sales. A passionate lover of music, Dave played the drums in local bands in his younger years and spent the rest of his life making playlists of amazing music for his friends and family.

After a dance-floor kiss that made him see stars (his words), David married the love of his life, Joyce Webb of Indio, on Dec. 31, 1961. Together they had four children, Susan, Janis, Eric and Amy. In 1977, Dave and Joyce moved their family to Lake Forest, where they were busy with sports and backyard barbecues. From Lake Forest, they moved to a wonderful lake-front home in Lake Elsinore, where the fam- ily fun continued (those epic Pinochle games—Pennsylvania 6-5-0-0-0!!). In 2019, they relocated to Seal Beach to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. Dave and Joyce were blessed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with their family on Dec. 31, 2021.

David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; his daughter Janis Okerlund of Long Beach; his son Eric Okerlund of Lake Forest; Eric’s children, Gunnar, Sophia and Ava Okerlund; and the baby of the family, Amy Okerlund-Andries, her husband Chris Andries, and their daughter, Jocelyn. David was preceded in death by his eldest daughter Susan Okerlund of Capistrano Beach, who passed away in 2006 with her dad and family by her side.

David was born again to the Lord at the age of 30 and led his father, Sheridan, and his children to Christ. He is surely in His hands in paradise. He is Risen!