John William Okkerse

John William Okkerse, 93, of Lewisburg, passed away Friday, March 11, 2022 at his home.

He was born September 13, 1928 in Cleveland, OH, a son of the late Jacob and Jessie (Heinz) Okkerse.  On July 11, 1952 he married the love of his life, the former Marylou Mathies who preceded him in death on March 24, 2019.

John attended Brush High School in Ohio and was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War.  He was hard working and held several jobs throughout the years; always looking to better the life his family lived.  John worked at GE, Branch Motor Company, CECO Corp., Pennsylvania House, and later retired from USTA, now Rabbit Transit.

John was a dedicated Christian, faithfully reading his bible every morning.  He was a member of Mifflinburg Alliance Church.

John was an enthusiast of trains and loved to show off his model sets to family and friends when they visited.  Most importantly, he was a family man first, enjoying time spent with all.

He is survived by three sons and one daughter-in-law, Douglas J. Okkerse of Liverpool, Dale J. Okkerse, Sr. of West Milton, and Duane J. and Paula Okkerse of West Milton; one daughter and son-in-law, Darlene J. and David Swope of Watsontown; nine grandchildren, Lauren, Madeline, Theodore and Isabelle Okkerse, Dale Okkerse Jr., Vanessa (Joshua) Criswell, Vivian (Anthony) Guy, Jennifer Cresswell, and Jonathan (Nikki Zellers) Kroner; and six great-grandchildren, Rosalia Esparza, Kayden Okkerse, Owen Creswell, Noah and Lucas Criswell, and Asher Kroner.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was predeceased by two daughters, Debra and Dawn Okkerse; one grandson, Michael Kroner; one great-grandson, Liam Okkerse; and three sisters, Dorothy Hamilton, Marion Herwerden, and Jacqueline Owen.

Private burial will be held in Lewisburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to either the American Cancer Society or The Gideons International through www.myremembrance.com, which will provide the family and donor with a personalized keepsake that lists every donor’s name who so graciously donated in his memory.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 106 S. Second St., Lewisburg, PA.

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