Debra Okland
Debra “Debbie” Ann Okland; beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Dec. 27, 2024. Heaven sings Hallelujah and her love for angel’s wings has carried her there. Born in Williston, N.D., on Aug. 16, 1964, and the 6th of 7 children born to Ben and Solveig Okland. She was raised and schooled in Alexander, N.D., Bismarck, N.D. and Polson, Mont.
Born with an adventurous spirit, Debbie was fearless and had more fortitude in her than most; amidst life’s challenges, she relentlessly forged ahead.” The best thing that ever happened,” according to Debbie, was the birth of her son Bernie. After high school, she attended the International Air and Hospitality Academy in Vancouver, Wash., followed by a move to Houston, Texas, where she worked for Continental Airlines.
Next, Mexico then became their home - real estate sales took them to Puerta Vallarta and Santiago. After a time in Mexico, she and Bernie returned stateside, settling in Bismarck, N.D., for a short time before Montana and family called her back to Polson.
She began working when Walmart opened a store there. She worked her way up in management and began working for corporate, coordinating store remodels across the country. Sadly, after several years, medical issues prevented continuation. Later, she moved to Billings, Mont., where she became acquainted with a family who owned a business. They realized her ability to sell and offered her a job. She began selling aluminum cast critters throughout the U.S. until the robust oil boom was a good reason for her to return to N.D. She eventually settled in Alexander, N.D. on the very ground where she and her siblings grew up. She grew a garden like no other and reunited with family and community that surrounded her growing up. There, employed by Fastenal and Grainger, she excelled at field sales as the top in national sales! Medical issues again made it difficult to sustain the rigors of sales in the oil patch. Most recently she was employed by Landmark Suites in Williston. Breast cancer survivor, and other health issues still interrupted her dreams. Again, her strength, determination, gusto, and attitude prevailed. She was recently scheduled to have surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, bringing her hope for a brighter future.
Debbie was very engaging and easily made friends everywhere. Being a free spirit, she pursued many experiences. She loved her Harley, family, traditions, hatch green chilis, travel, nature, Flathead Lake, gardening, and cooking, but nothing more than Bernie and her most longed for joy, her grandson Bennie. Her love for her nieces and nephews was like none other; she opened her home to several when they came to work in the oil patch! Debbie had spunk . . . a word many used to describe her! She encouraged others and was a very hard worker! Nobody wanted the best version of themselves more.
She truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds; although she often did without, she always stepped up to help others less fortunate.
Debbie was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; her parents; and brothers, Ben and David.
She is survived by her son, Bernie; grandson, Bennie; siblings, Dirk (Kathy) Okland, Vergas, Minn., Carolyn (Roger) Friesz, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Marilyn (Wade) Frame, Polson, Mont.; Chris Okland, Polson, Mont; and 9 nieces and nephews.
Debbie’s best day and bold desire was always “Family Together” and so it will be … Memorial services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alexander, N.D., on Jan. 20, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Debbie can be made to the Lewis and Clark Trail Museum. The mailing address is PO Box 343, Alexander, N.D. 58831.