Michael L. Okuley

Michael "Mick" Okuley age 79, of New Bavaria, passed away Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025 at the Defiance In Patient Hospice Center after a short illness.  Michael was born May 19, 1945 to Leo and Edna (Westrick) Okuley who preceded him in death.  On April 15, 1967, he married Carol Sue Fortman who also preceded him in death on September 9, 2016.

While in high school, Michael entered the Pontifical College Jospephinum seminary for one year.  He graduated from Holgate High School in 1962.  He then served in the US Army.  He started working for Campbell Soup Company, Napoleon in 1963, then in 1964 he worked for the railroad as an Operator and Crew Dispatcher for 41 years until retiring in 2005.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria, Ottawa Fraternal Order of Eagles and Knights of Columbus, and many VFW posts.  Michael loved to fish, garden, spend time with his family playing cards watching ALL sports and most importantly, spending time and watching his kids and grand kids in sports.

Mick is survived by four sons: Jeff (Rhonda) Okuley of North Baltimore, Chris (Saundra) Okuley of Defiance, Mark (Kerri) Okuley of Defiance, and Bryan (Lindsey) Okuley of Leipsic; one daughter: Stacy Okuley of Amherst; twelve grandchildren: Morgan, Kylee, Karli, Stephanie, Michael, Trevor, Kacee, Ava, Alayna, Preston, Levi, and Travis; siblings: Kevin Okuley of Napoleon, Ben Okuley of New Bavaria and Joyce Poulson of Somerville, NJ; sister-in-laws: Dorothy Okuley and Margaret Okuley and a brother-in-law Bob Otto.  He was preceded in death by two grandchildren: Elijah and Maverick Okuley and his brothers Thomas, Daniel, Gerald and sisters Janet Otto and Peggy Okuley.

Visitation will be in the Zachrich Family Funeral Home of Holgate on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 3-7 PM and again at the church from 9:30  until the service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria with Father Nick Cunningham and Father Tony Fortman (nephew) officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Defiance In-patient Hospice Center.