December 2, 2009

Elden Okland

Elden Curtiss Okland, 62, of Watford City, N.D., died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital in Watford City. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Pastoral Assistant Rob Favorite officiated and interment and fellowship followed at Garden Lutheran Church, rural Watford City. Friends may sign the online register book and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.
Elden Curtiss Okland was born Dec. 27, 1946, in Williston, N.D., to Hilmer and Janet (Tweden) Okland. He was baptized and confirmed at the Garden Church. He attended Timber Prong Grade School and Watford City High School, graduating in 1965. After graduation, he attended Minot State College. In 1966, Elden was drafted into the U.S. Army. He achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class serving in Germany as a medic for the 581st Medical Battalion and was honorably discharged in 1968.
Upon his discharge, Elden returned to Watford City, and was united in marriage to Mary Kay Hegstad in September 1971. To this union a daughter, Stacey Ann, and a son, Steven Curtis, were born. In October 1989, Elden married Phyllis Nygaard, and they resided in South Heart, N.D. A daughter, Nicole Elizabeth, and a son, Christopher James, were born to this union.
Elden worked in the oil fields as a pumper for Texaco at Keene; a production foreman at Tenneco in Fairfield and pumper at Steier Oilfield Service in Dickinson before moving back to Watford City.
Elden was a trustee officer at the Garden Lutheran Church, a member of the VFW and the Carl E. Rogen American Legion Post #29. He enjoyed golfing, playing pool, puzzles and was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Watford City Wolves fan. He loved visiting with friends and family, and meeting for coffee at Larsen Drug and at the Elevator.
He is survived by his daughters, Stacey Okland of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and Nicole Okland of Mandan, N.D.; sons, Steven (Tina) Okland of Vancouver, Wash., and Christopher Okland of South Heart, N.D.; grandchildren, Anna Pope and Tyler Okland; sister, Clarice (Ron) Judkins of Watford City; stepdaughter, Kathy Nygaard of South Heart, N.D.; and step-grandchildren, Chris, Rachelle, Kellsey, and Brienna Okland of Vancouver, Wash. He was also very close to his nephews, Ryan (Heather) Okland and their children, Chase and Teigan; Aaron Judkins, Darin Okland and Shannon (Julie) Hammeren and their children Emily and Katie; and a niece Kristin (Heath) Paulicheck and their children London and Mylee Paulicheck.
Elden was preceded in death by his parents, Hilmer and Janet Okland; brother, Duane Okland and a great niece, Khloe Paulicheck.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER