Stephen R. Okkonen

To Ollie and family. A tear ran down my cheek today. I am very sorry for the loss of Steve. You and your family have my condolences. Chuck Spence

To the Okkonen Family: I am feeling such an inner pain as the reality sets in about the loss of Okie. I can only imagine how hard the sudden loss of such a fine man as Steve could be to those who loved and knew him well. We were classmates at Sparta High School, and were in the same circle of friends who hung out together. I really feel blessed to have known him, and even luckier to have had a friendship with this amazing young man. I can see him so clearly, as if 1971 was only yesterday, a skinny lad with wavy blonde hair who probably didn't weigh 120 lbs. dripping wet. He was very smart, with a creative, yet quirky sense of humor, who didn't have a mean bone in his body, and a wide welcoming smile that made it easy to talk to him. He wasn't shy around his friends, but he listened and cared about us; he was a gentle soul. To watch him run Cross Country meets was a joy and a treat because he was so fast! He was our best runner by far both his junior and senior year, and he was best in conference, second in regionals, and went to the state finals. He got along with his classmates and faculty alike, and I don't know anyone who didn't respect him; he was a man of good morals and high integrity. I know our group who spent a lot of time with him wouldn't hesitate to say we loved him, very much. Even though I haven't been in contact with him over the years, I find myself missing him so much, and remembering the good times we had, when we were young and planning our futures. May the Lord welcome him home, and hold you all in His arms as you grieve.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Ollie & Family,
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like Steve led an amazing and blessed life in Alaska.
May peace be with you all,
Susan (Flermoen) Rosema

My heart aches for you all. I hope the memories of all the good times will help comfort you and bring you peace.

I was living in Pilot Station AK in late 1970s. This is where I first met Steve and Joann. My wife was teaching at the BI A school with S and J, this lasted a few years. I c
caught up with them at UAF Fairbanks late 1980s. My daughter Corrina visited the K Beach house on several occasions. S and J took us out on their fishing boat for an overnight across the inlet. S took us out in their skiff to check the set nets. I left AK late 1990s. Drive up pre Covid saw S one more time. Corrina livea in Anchorage sees them on occasion. So many real good memories.

So sorry for your loss. Just know that we are praying for you and your family.

Did many training runs with "Oak" through our high school cross country and track years. May he be running Peach and Fruit Ridge (and grabbing a few apples
& peaches along the way) forever. A great human being & friend.

RIP Coach Steve may your Memory be Eternal

Ollie & family, our sincere condolences for your loss. Steve was a classmate and friend to our family. May he run in peace.