Jerry Joseph O'Kenka

When he could no longer smile on earth, a glorious sunrise welcomed Jerry Joseph O’Kenka, 73, to heaven on May 27, 2023, after he suffered a massive stroke which tore him from our lives.

Jerry’s enjoyment of life, quest for adventure, ability to talk to anyone, anywhere and contagious spirit of fun will forever live on in our memories.

Jerry was born September 25, 1949, in Walbridge, Ohio to Joseph Jerry and Laura Emmaline (Hanson) O’Kenka. He graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1967 and attended Owens Community College, becoming a journeyman with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 in Toledo, Ohio. His construction career began as an operator at George Gradel Company, moved into project management for Finkbeiner, Pettis & Strout/Arcadis Engineering, and culminated as the Project Manager for the City of Fremont, Ohio.

Jerry embodied the rare gift of excelling at virtually everything he pursued, and he was known as a man of many talents. Boating, motorcycling, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, travelling, camping, hockey, and softball were among Jerry’s many passions. His ability to quickly assess situations and act without hesitation made him a fierce asset and firefighter with the Pemberville Freedom Township Fire Department. Jerry didn’t just participate, he excelled in every endeavor. One of the most notable accomplishments in his life was earning the Captain’s Merchant Marine (100 ton) License. He was a beloved member of the Harbor View Yacht Club for over three decades, and he will be deeply missed by all his boating buddies.

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents, and nephew August (Chip) Pastorek. He is survived by his soul mate of 21 years, Jeri Wendt; son, Kendall; daughters, Michelle Schroeder and Lindsay; and sister, Charlotte Pastorek. He left his heart with his grandchildren, Brittany, Justin, Ryan, Luke, and Kenna; great grandchildren, Charlie, Michael, Finley, and Brooks; and cherished family-like friends, Paul, Jessica, and Hudson Wendt.

“The Jers” – as Jerry and Jeri were known – just returned from a seven-week trip of a lifetime across New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia with dear friends Cheryl & Craig Wendt and Doug & Jan Martin, who are also left to treasure his memory.

Jerry took every opportunity to share his spirit of joy and adventure. Join us for a joyful celebration of his life on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Harbor-View Yacht Club, 2180 Autokee St., Oregon, Ohio . Memorials may be made to HVYC Women’s Auxiliary.

So, as he walks away from us, there is much he hopes you’ve learned.

To live your life complete and full, as only most have yearned.