Orin Alan Okken

ORIN ALAN OKKEN Cedar Rapids Adored father, brother, and friend Orin Alan Okken, 65, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family. Orin was born May 24, 1956, in Cedar Rapids, but grew up in Toddville, Iowa. He was the son of Agnes Blanch Vopalka. On Nov. 12, 1976, he was united in marriage to Robin (Cullen) Ryan. The couple later divorced, but remained great friends. Early on, Orin worked in concrete and later as a union carpenter. He moved on to operate his own business CR Walls and later Okken Construction, with a brief reprieve into the restaurant industry, opening up Grand Central Restaurant in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Orin was one of a kind. A true gem to all that knew him. An authentic and gentle soul that met everyone with an open heart. So very caring, accepting, and generous with both his time and talents. Often putting the needs of others before his own. Whether it was to help with your weekend house project, or with your vehicle that was broken down on the side of the road, he was the man to call. He was dependable and you could count on him. That is what filled his cup in life. He loved helping people. A simple man, not of mind, but in living. Taking the time to appreciate the small pleasures of life; living slowly, peacefully and purposefully. Always a student of life, always remaining engaged and curious, exploring all of life's unknowns. He loved every aspect of nature and respected all living things. He was very grateful to the many pets that graced his life and treated them with nothing but the best; often bringing home restaurant ribs and burgers for them. Orin loved life, his family, working and having a strong sense of community. His favorite role being that of a father and grandfather. He was the proud father to three children and grandfather to five grandchildren, whom he loved to spend time with. His children will forever cherish the memories with their father. The countless memories of the biggest bonfires, childhood trips, and many more. They hold him in the highest regard and feel privileged to have had him as a father. Having a sense of community was important to Orin. He loved being social and meeting new people. He was a regular supporter of many local establishments and was well known and liked by many in the community. Always smiling and laughing, enjoying life to the fullest, making memories and friends everywhere he went. Orin was a very skilled carpenter. He loved his trade and found great satisfaction in a day's hard work. His love for his trade will live on through the beautiful work he has left behind. The family finds solace in knowing that Orin's memory, spirit and energy will live on through his work. Orin would say, don't you dare look back. Keep moving forward. Don't be sad for me. Celebrate me. And that is what we all must do. Celebrate him for all that he was to each and every one of us. Orin's children and surviving family/friends will continue his legacy by living life to the fullest and moving forward with smiles and optimism. In his memory, the family asks that we all take a moment to appreciate the precious moments with our loved ones. Time is priceless. Relationships with loved ones is everything. Survivors include his children, Cory (Jill) Okken of Atkins, Iowa, Dusty (Kelly) Okken of Marion, Iowa, and Carly Okken (Nick Hadjis) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Kadence, Kiernan, Harrison and Franklin Okken and Irelyn Blake Hadjis; siblings, Pat (Mike) Haley of Farmington, Minn., Mike Okken of Cedar Rapids, twin brother, Dave (Kathy) Okken, Todd (Carol) Okken and Marchell Okken, all of Cedar Rapids; niece, Jennifer (Trevis) Rothwell of Marion; and nephew, Patrick Haley of Farmington. Orin was preceded in death by his mother; sister, Georgeann Enos; and aunt, Helen Vopalka. Please feel free to share memories and photos on Orin's facebook page, which is being monitored by family. Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Feb. 18, 2022, at the Harmac Event Center. Memorials may be directed to the family. Please share a memory of Orin at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.