by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com
Utah lawmaker Ralph Okerlund, of Monroe has passed away at the age of 72, on Wed., October 9 in his home alongside his sweetheart, Cindy Okerlund, and surrounded by family.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of a cherished colleague, former Senator Ralph Okerlund. He dedicated his life to serving the state, tirelessly advocating for Utah’s rural communities and becoming a trusted friend to many,” said current Senate President J. Stuart Adams.
Okerlund’s extraordinary political career began as a favor to his community. In the 1980s, Okerlund took a position as Monroe City councilmember which unknowingly started his 30-year political career.
In an interview with The Daily Universe in 2014, he stated that “people appreciated the work he was doing and kept trying to do more good”.
In doing more good, Okerlund served in several positions, including councilman, volunteer fireman, mayor of Monroe, Sevier County Commissioner, and then as Utah State Senator for twelve years.
Okerlund’s service to his community was not only in a political offices, but as an English and History teacher at South Sevier High School where he also served by coaching numerous youth and high school athletic teams.
“I believe that people are gifted with certain talents and traits that enable them to bless the lives of others. What made Ralph Okerlund unique is that he had more gifts than most. He was sincere, patient, genuine, and kind. He was also assertive, driven, and steadfast. I worked closely with Senator Okerlund on education issues for over a decade,” said Cade Douglas, Sevier School District Superintendent. “He always welcomed my feedback and worked tirelessly to support the needs of Sevier School District students, families, and educators. Ralph is a living example of how one life can influence other lives for good exponentially.”
Throughout all of his time serving, Okerlund always advocated for the importance of rural Utah communities.
“Ralph dedicated over three decades to public service, championing the needs of Utah’s rural communities with unwavering commitment,” said Clint Okerlund, candidate for Utah House of Representative. “His legacy as a city councilman, mayor, county commissioner, and state senator will be remembered for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of his constituents and his impactful leadership in the Senate.”
His astounding leadership lead to Okerlund being voted the senate majority leader between January 28, 2013 to 2020.
In his time in the senate, Senator Okerlund sponsored many influential bills that helped shape Utah.
“Throughout his tenure, he introduced over 100 bills, with more than 75% passing,” said Senate President Adams. “He championed prudent water use, supported environmentally friendly development of natural resources and fostered economic growth that we are still benefiting from today.”
In 2014, Okerlund also supported S.B. 38, which established the Snow College Concurrent Education Program bill, which allowed high school students to earn concurrent college credits while in high school at an affordable rate. This program is still active today, allowing thousands of high school students earn a head start on their college education.
“Snow College mourns the loss of Senator Ralph Okerlund. His was a life of public service, and he was a true champion for rural communities. Senator Okerlund’s impact on Snow College and on our students is significant,” said President of Snow College, Stacee McIff. “He helped secure critical funding for programming and buildings and advocated for projects that would help our communities. We will continue to honor his legacy in our Ralph Okerlund School of Technical Education.”
With all astounding career and political accomplishments, Ralph always viewed his eternal family as his greatest accomplishment.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; son, Justin (Mindy) Okerlund; daughter, Tiffany (Ster) Brindley; and daughter, Shannon (Stuart) Hepworth; 10 grandchildren; brother, Russell (Christi) Okerlund; sister-in-law, Pam (Raymond) Jensen, all Monroe; and, sister-in-law Kathy Lister, Richfield. He is preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Jean Okerlund; brothers: Les and Chris Okerlund, and brother-in-law Rod Lister.
“We send our heartfelt love and sympathy to Cindy and the whole Okerlund family and express our gratitude to them for sharing their wonderful husband, father, and grandfather with us,” said McIff.
“His legacy of service and kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. My prayers are with his wife, Cindy, and their three children during this difficult time,” said Senate President Adams.
