Martha Okerson, age 85 of rural Coleharbor, ND died Monday, January 8 at a Minot nursing home following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Thursday, January 11, 2007;
Augustana Lutheran Church - Underwood, ND;
Rev. Dan Maurer, Officiating;
Interment: Bethel Lutheran Cemetery - rural Coleharbor, ND;
Visitation: Wednesday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM at Goetz Funeral Home - Turtle Lake;
Thursday, 1 hour prior to time of service at the church.

Martha was born May 21, 1921 at rural Coleharbor, ND, the daughter to Fred & Katherine (Bauer) Bastian. She attended elementary school in a rural schoolhouse and at Coleharbor. Martha graduated from Garrison High School in 1940. She continued her education at Minot State Teachers College and received a teaching certificate. Martha taught at several rural schools, the Underwood Public School, and later substituted at the Turtle Lake Public School. She married Harold L. Okerson on Nov. 28, 1946 at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church of rural Turtle Lake, ND. They lived and farmed near Coleharbor for many years, leaving the farm in the fall of 2006 due to failing health. Martha taught piano lessons for many years from her home and also in Turtle Lake. She was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she served on the Ladies Aid, taught Sunday School, and served as organist . The church closed in 1991 and she became a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Underwood. Martha's love for music was shown through the accordion. She belonged to the Cenex Harvest States Accordionist Club and played with Neena's Accordion Group & Friends Band. The group entertained at several nursing homes, the Norsk Hostfest, and at the Buckstop Junction Corn Feed.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Harold Okerson of Minot, ND; 2 sons, Alan (Roberta) Okerson of Minot, ND, Arlan (Linda) Okerson of Bismarck, ND; 1 daughter, Coleen (Blaine) Clooten of Bismarck, ND; 7 grandchildren & 1 great-grandchild, Brent Okerson of Denver, CO, Anne (Jeff) Haider of Minot, ND, Darin Okerson of Minot, ND, Shannon Okerson of Bismarck, ND, Ryan (Melissa) Okerson and daughter Sophia of Bismarck, ND, Danielle Clooten and Ashley Clooten of Bismarck, ND; & 2 brothers, Wilbert Bastian of Wisconsin & Walter Bastian of Yuba City, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters (Lila Bastian, Dorothy Cadwallader, Alice Casey, Mildred Dzerigian), & 1 brother (Willis Bastian).