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David E Okerstrom
1934 - 2015
David E Okerstrom
1934 - 2015
Obituary
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David Okerstrom Obituary
David Eugene Okerstrom, 80, entered into the presence of his Savior on January 8, 2015 at Westchester Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center in Clearwater, Florida. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 13, 1934. David was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School and St. Petersburg Bible Institute. While attending Bible college, he met and married the love of his life, Ginger, who would remain his faithful companion for sixty years. David came from a lineage of ministers spanning over one hundred years and pastored churches in Illinois and Florida. He was licensed for over 50 consecutive years with Open Bible Churches of Des Moines, Iowa. He was affectionately called “Pastor O” by many and even continued to minister to the residents and staff of Westchester Gardens where he lived since 2010.
David was a wonderful husband, father, “Papa”, and pastor to his family and extensive church family. He loved to worship the Lord through singing, playing the guitar and trombone. He often broke out spontaneously in song while preaching. He instilled a love of music, worship, and the Word of God in his two daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. David left an amazing spiritual legacy to not only his family, but the numerous congregants whom he faithfully served.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard K. and Rebie Belle Okerstrom, and sisters, Helen Okerstrom and Joyce Gleason. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginger of Safety Harbor, FL, his daughter, Donna Shelman (Wayne) of Orting, WA, his daughter Darlene Spears (Steve) of Collinsville, AL, his grandchildren, Aria James (Joseph), Justin Spears (Anna), Briana Crawford, Abigail Velázquez (Omar), Carissa Brewer, Diandra Brewer, Chase Spears, Jillian Ivey (Logan), Ethan Brewer, Taylor Spears, his great grandchildren, Jaxon James, Jordyn Crawford, Jaron James, Jaidyn James, Sean Malik Jackson, Haidyn Crawford, Imogen Spears, Oliver Velázquez, his brother, Kenneth Okerstrom (Beverly), and sister, Miriam Putney (James).
Friends and family may visit from 2-3PM at the Bayside Community Church of God, 3380 State Road 580, Safety Harbor, Fl. 34695 with Funeral Services to follow at 3 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rolande Scaff
August 12, 2015
Oh Ginger, I have such a heavy heart
for the living.But Very thankful for having you all on my journey. God bless you.
Beckie Fabrizio Kureshi
May 13, 2015
I just learned that Pastor Okerstrom passed away. Sad to hear but I know he is rejoicing in Heaven. He was my pastor when I lived in Florida.
God bless and my sympathy to you and your family.
Marilyn Vance
January 16, 2015
Pastor David Okerstrom will be greatly missed.. May the comfort of God's help to the Okerstrom family through this difficult time, his kindness, and his gentle spirit will be remembered forever.. Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
"When you lose someone you love,
you gain an angel you know"
Bobby Murray
January 16, 2015
Brother Okerstrom was my college professor, District Superintendent,
and a spiritual giant to me. He was
encouraging and always full of ideas and
insights. Deepest sympathies to all of the family.
David will be sorely missed
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January 12, 2015
Chris and I thank God that in our life's journey David Okerstrom was a vital friend, spiritual mentor and inspiration for our ministry. Chris' early recollection of Dave and Ginger was in Bible College, then our many times to be his pulpit guests. All special in our relationship with the Okerstrom family. He always loved when I would bring him a new praise chorus from way back to Belvidere days. Dave will be greatly missed by the Sinacoris. I am thinking of an old gospel song, "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be". " We will meet you in the morning Brother Dave".
January 11, 2015
Bob and I enjoyed our times of fellowship with your family when we ministered in the same area. Bob was there to welcome Dave home to Heaven! God bless you with His comfort and peace today and in the days to come. Irene Bush
Larry Kessie
January 11, 2015
What a Godly example lived before us! Through our tears we stop and pray for the family, and loved ones, who's lives were touched so deeply by a man known by many as "Pastor O".
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cor. 2:9. We can imagine spectacular things but they don't compare to what Pastor is enjoying now.
Loved him!
Larry & Lori Kessie Family
Lois Winter Hastings
January 10, 2015
I am praying for the family in the loss of Dave Okerstrom. Dave and Ginger made a strong impression on me over the years they were in Des Moines, Iowa. He brought the joy of the Lord wherever he was.
Claudia Berry
January 10, 2015
It is a privilege to call him Pastor and friend. Thank you Pastor O. Looking forward to the day when our FCC family will be reunited. "Thank you for giving to the Lord".
Terry and Denise Phillips
January 10, 2015
Terry and Denise send our thoughts..Pastor O and Mrs. O have touched our lives in many ways. Beginning with marrying us 34 years ago. God bless you and your family.
January 10, 2015
We are happy for David, but our sympathy and prayers go out to the family. We have many fond memories of great times together. Our love to you. Don and Donna Lyon Rockford, Illinois
January 10, 2015
Sharon and I are sorry for your lose. We will always remember Pastor O. as the man who led us to the Lord. He is in a better place playing his beloved heavenly trombone for Jesus.
Denny and Sharon Luz, Christiansburg, Va.
January 10, 2015
David and Ginger touched so many lives for Christ.
We don't sorrow as those who have no hope. He has never been more alive.
To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord.
Prayers...
Mark and Debbie (Palm Beach FL/Charlotte NC)
Phyllis Blackburn Butte
January 10, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Darrel Anderson
January 10, 2015
Special prayers for you, Ginger, and the rest of your family. We have known you for decades, and we're all headed home. What a day that will be!
Darrel & Arlene
Debbie Jones
January 10, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I wish we cloud be there.
Love Bob and Deb Jones and family
Shelly Ryan
January 9, 2015
Lots of love and prayers for your entire family! Through his precious daughter Donna I can see his legacy of love and faith. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you!
Sandy Anderson
January 9, 2015
Lost a great man of God yesterday.
Our former Pastor here in Illinois for over 10 yrs. He and Ginger nurtured
Many couples and new babe's in Christ. Their music ministry a blessing and PRECIOUS MEMORIES
Linger In our hearts. Sending prayers and love to Ginger, Donna & Darlene & families.
Sharon Cosby
January 9, 2015
I am so thrilled that Pastor O is now "Home Free." In spite of that relief, there's such an "ache" of grief that people who have lost a dear one understand. Ginger, Donna, and Darlene, you all are precious to me, and my prayers will be with you not just now, but the upcoming days, weeks and months. May you be strenghtened and find comfort in the love of people you and Pastor O. have touched. What a privilege it is to me that I am among that number. Love, Sharon Cosby
Bev Karas
January 9, 2015
We are praying for your family at this time. Love Dan & Bev
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