01/28/2026
Please join us in celebrating the life of Verla Nadalia Okerblom born August 14th, 1938 in Ironwood, MI, died of Alzheimer's disease on January 9th, 2026 in Wilmore, KY near family. Verla was the fifth of six children of immigrant parents, Carl Oscar Okerblom and Louise Irene Helander, both born in Finland of Swedish parentage. Verla had an indomitable spirit. Intelligent, forthright, and beautiful, she lit up every room. An excellent student and athlete, she qualified for the Olympics as a swimmer and hoped to attend college, but as a young woman without resources, she was unable to attend either. Instead, she focused her energy on mentoring the next generation and instilling in them a love of learning, curiosity and independent thought. She taught bike riding, dancing, and swimming-as well as how to have a good time. She encouraged young people to pursue college and careers, and her motivation meant her nieces and nephews were the first in the family to attend college. In addition, she loved all things Swedish and never forgot her heritage. An avid reader and life-long learner, she became a "Jill of All Trades" as her restless spirit sought out new careers and adventures. Her three idolized older brothers fought in World War II and the Korean War with the Navy, Marines and Army, and their example spurred her to join the Army as a logician at the age of 34. Proud of her service as a WAC during the Vietnam Era, she fondly recalled her posting to Okinawa, where she immersed herself in the culture and made friends. Verla's life story is one of immigration, poverty, hard work, and determination. Though she often faced difficulties as an independent woman, she never complained and continued to push forward and to support herself. She remained curious, funny, quick witted, and loving to the very end.
Thank you to the caring souls at The Grand Senior Living in Prospect, KY and at the VA, which she loved. The outstanding care she received at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, KY is the standard of care we all deserve.
Her funeral and burial will be held on January 30th, at 10:30 am at the Radcliff Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 2220 or American-Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.
