Samuel Thomas Okstad

November 10, 1943 - April 11th, 2024

Samuel “Sam” Okstad passed away at the age of 80, after a two year battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones.

Sam was born and raised in Winton, Minnesota. Here he developed a great love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting in the local area. 

He attended Vermilion College and the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he majored in Business Administration. During the summers he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to pay for his college tuition.

Immediately after completing his degree he was drafted during the Cold War, serving our country in Germany. In 1968 he was honorably discharged and moved to Los Angeles, California. 

He was a devoted husband for almost 40 years to Mary with whom he had three children, Paul, Karen, and Kathryn. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. 

Sam continued to show persistence and bravery in his fight against cancer. His participation in clinical research trials gives hope to others still struggling. 

He is survived by his wife Mary, son Paul (daughter in-law Tessa), daughter’s Karen and Kathryn, grandchildren Persephone, Topher, and Petra, and siblings Marge and Walter (sister in-law Bonna).  

He is remembered by his family and community as a generous and kind man. 

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Celebration of Life. This will be held in Winton, MN, on July 7, 2024. Additional details will be provided closer to the date of the event.