Maynard Okeson, age 79, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Tuesday, July 25, 2006, in the Roseau Area Hospital, Roseau, Minnesota.

Maynard Gene Okeson was born November 1, 1926, the son of Harry and Minnie (Engberg) Okeson on a farm northeast of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota where he grew up. As a youngster, Maynard attended school in Detroit Lakes later graduating with the class of 1944. While in high school, Maynard was very active in sports including baseball, track, and football. While in high school Maynard went to the state track meet in the shot put and he was also on the all conference football team. After graduation, Maynard farmed for a time with his father. Maynard went to Managers Training and did an internship with the Big 5 Co-op in Detroit Lakes. On September 11, 1948, Maynard was united in marriage to Bernice Helseth at Atlanta Lutheran Church near Ulen. The couple lived for a time on a farm near Detroit Lakes. They then moved to Ulen, Minnesota where Maynard managed the Ulen Co-op for two years. In 1956, Maynard managed the Co-op in Twin Valley until next becoming manager of the Viking Snowmobile Manufacturing in Twin Valley. Maynard also managed the Ada, Minnesota Co-op for two years before taking the position in the Twin Valley State Bank. He retired as Vice-President and was currently serving on the board of directors. During his years of employment in Twin Valley, Maynard also owned Okeson Clothing and the Twin Valley Variety Store. Maynard and Bernice enjoyed spending summers at their lake home on Tulaby Lake as well as time spent there with family and friends.

Maynard was a talented woodworker, making many pieces of furniture for family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and all sporting events. Maynard especially found pleasure following his sons' sporting events and in most recent years, those of his grandchildren.

Maynard was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, serving for many years on the Church Council. He also retired from the Twin Valley Fire Department after serving as a fireman for 33 years. Maynard served on the School Board, City Council, Booster Club, Industrial Development Committee and was involved with the Minnesota Bankers Association.

Maynard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bernice of Twin Valley, MN; three sons, Dave (Kathy) of Forest Lake, MN, Mark (Cheryl) and Keith (Missy) all of Roseau, MN; 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by one daughter, Diane and one sister, Helen.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, July 28, 2006 at 10:30 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN. Officiating was Pastor Charles Bade with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Mark and Rhoda Habedank serving as vocalists. Pallbearers were Harris Garberg, Don Skaurud, Clayton Skaurud, Harold Bergstrom, Eldred Opsahl, David Mickelson, Charlie Swanson, Dennis Hoekstra, Karl Schultz and Dave Mattinen. Honorary Pallbearers were Russell Okeson, John Okeson, Orin Okeson, Donald Okeson, Charles Okeson, Orville Johnson, the Coffee Club and the Employees at the First Financial Bank of Twin Valley.

Interment was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley, Minnesota.
Visitation was held Thursday, July 27th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM in the Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN.
Visitation was also one hour before services at the church on Friday.