Carol A. Okke

Carol A. Okke, age 69, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2011, in her home surrounded by her family, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.Carol Ann Folden was born on February 23, 1942 to Adolph and Marcella Koenig Folden. Her very early years were spent in Moorhead, MN. Carol was confirmed and baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She attended St. Frances de Sales Catholic School and St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Her parent moved to Rollag, MN when she was about 10 years old. After moving to Rollag, she attended country school, district three.Carol was married to Irving Norman. Together they lived in many places. Carol later married Henning Norman Jr. in Hawley. Together they lived on their farm. In June 1971, her husband and 4 year-old son, Henning Norman III, were killed in a car accident. Carol was later united in marriage to Robert Okke. Carol and Robert made their home in Hawley, MN. Carol's employment consisted of many jobs, but her most rewarding job was daycare, which she did for 10 or more years. Carol loved cooking for a big crew. She also enjoyed traveling, going to casinos, reading, embroidering and being with animals. Carol was a very caring person. She was the first one who would buy food if you needed. If you were in need, she would give you money, not loan it. She would buy something she thought she couldn't live without and yet give it away to anyone who saw it the next day. That's the person she was. She loved her grandchildren and would drop anything just to help them, daughters and son-in-laws included. She is survived by four daughters, Julie Norman Sam of Fargo, ND, Truda Dan Lehrke of Hawley, MN, Amy Dustin Softing of Hawley, MN, Wendy Andy Somdahl of Hawley, MN; one brother, Jeff Susan Folden of West Fargo, ND; two sisters, Barb Malzahn of West Fargo, ND and Judy Peter Johnson of Cloquet, MN; ten grandchildren, Beautiful, Jonathan, Bryantt, Chelsea, Nate, Aundie, Laine, Aeriana, Jesa and Layce; several nieces and nephews and her two cats she loved dearly.Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Henning Norman Jr., Henning Norman III, son, and her brother, Wayne Folden.