Obituary: Okert, John H.
Age 65
John was born March 25, 1948 to Harold and Hava Okert in Spokane, WA.
He was a lifetime resident of Spokane.
John graduated from Rogers High School in 1966.
He attended WSU for two years then transferred to the University of Hawaii where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor Degree in Travel Industry Management Hotel and Restaurant Administration.
John married Valerie (Ewing) in 1971.
They were married over 30 years.
Their son, John Paul, was born in 1973 in Hawaii.
John spent most of his life in the hotel and restaurant business.
He owned and managed Butcher, Baker, Breakfast Maker Restaurant on Monroe and Broadway.
Later, he ventured into the mortgage business and was a loan officer for River City Mortgage.
John is survived by son, John (Sarah) Okert; beloved grandson, Paul Okert; sister, Julie Wales; brother, Karl (Mallika) Okert in Muscat, Oman; niece, Karla (David) Hegel; great niece, Ashley Routsis; great- nephew, Derek Hegel; ex-wife, Valerie Okert.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hava Okert.
John enjoyed summers at Newman Lake with family and numerous cousins.
John loved to play, coach and watch all sports.
He played football in high school and college.
Together, John and his son watched the Seattle Seahawks win the Superbowl.
Failing health in recent years prohibited John from doing many of the things he loved to do.
The family wants to say a special thank you to John’s two caregivers, Karie Harper and Monica Hensrud for their excellent care and support.
John will be missed.
At his request, no service will be held.
Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory was entrusted with the arrangements.
John was an advocate for kids.
Memorial contributions can be made to CASA Partners, PO Box 8158, Spokane, WA.
99203, (509-462-2272), www.casapartners.org.