Obituary of Gloria Ann (Erickson) Okrina

Gloria Ann (Erickson) Okrina, 85, of Plymouth, MN, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 22, 2023, after complications from dementia. Gloria and her twin brother, Jerry, were born to Selmer & Amanda (Stensrud) Erickson in Marshall, MN on September 26, 1937. Gloria’s family moved to Strawberry Lake (near Ogema, MN) when she was 4 years old. The family lived on the lake and the children attended Maple Grove country school through 8th grade. Because schools were not consolidated yet and bus service was not available, Gloria moved to Cottonwood, MN to live with her aunt and uncle and complete her high school education. Gloria graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1954. Gloria’s first job, which she thoroughly enjoyed, was with the Cottonwood telephone company. On September 17, 1955, Gloria married Donald H Okrina at St Lucas Lutheran Church, rural Cottonwood. They were married on Don’s parents’ anniversary date. Four daughters were born to this union: Wendy, Denise, LuAnn, and Nancy. Gloria was an avid homemaker and devoted mother and wife. After marriage, Don held various jobs, working on a farm, a creamery, and then in 1958 started work at Cenex, at which time he moved the family to Trimont, MN. Gloria stayed home to raise their family. In 1968 the family moved to Inver Grove Heights, MN and enrolled the girls at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School. Gloria worked part time at a pop company, a trucking firm and later at Cenex in their communications department. In 1976 the family moved to Rugby, ND with another job opportunity for Don at Cenex. It was here that Gloria volunteered to be the blood drive coordinator since she could not give blood herself. She continued in this role later in Britton, SD, as well as Menno, SD. While in Britton, Gloria also formed a dementia group and coordinated that until they moved to Menno, SD. In 2013, Gloria was diagnosed with breast cancer and as a result had to give up her blood drive coordinating. After that her mental acuity began to decline. In 2015, Don & Gloria moved back to the Twin Cities area to be closer to their girls and their families. Don & Gloria lived in a senior housing development in Plymouth, MN called Gramercy Park Northwest. Gloria thoroughly enjoyed their life at Gramercy because she could visit with so many people without ever leaving the building. They lived at Gramercy Park NW for almost 7 years. In April 2022, Don and Gloria moved in with 2 daughters and their husbands in a home in Plymouth, MN. This allowed for lots of helping hands to assist in cares for Gloria. In December 2022, Gloria had a severe setback and the family sought out help from home healthcare and later hospice. A huge thank you to both services for their excellent support and care.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Don, daughters Wendy (Steve) Krause, Denise (Garrett) Kramer, and LuAnn Okrina-Kibira, 11 grandchildren (Glory, Megan, Bethany, Stephen, Garrett, Tyler, Amanda, Abela, Namara, Josiah and Ruma) and 12 great grandchildren (Noah, Kate, Zachary, Ruby, Olivia, Ellie, Shaw, Kaylee, Nolan, Clara, Enala and Emanual). She is preceded in death by their infant daughter, Nancy, her parents, Don’s parents, brothers Dick, Don, Eric and David, and sister, Carol, in addition to her son-in-law, Josiah, a brother-in-law and aunts and uncles.

Gloria’s great faith was evident in her deep love for Christian education and bible study. She was always eager to be involved whenever an opportunity presented itself. She worked hard to help put their girls through Christian schools and she showed unwavering faith in God throughout her life.

A memorial service will be held for Gloria on Friday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 115 Wayzata Blvd W, Wayzata, MN.

Gloria will be laid to rest in Belview, MN beside her infant daughter, Nancy, in a private family service at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Christian Academy.