Councilor loses battle with spine infection

The Owatonna community is mourning the loss of a man who touched the community in many ways.
City Councilor Jeff Okerberg died Sunday at a Twin Cities hospital after suffering complications from back surgery. He was 62.
Before joining the city council, Okerberg served 30 years as a police officer in Owatonna where he finished his career as a sergeant.
“He dedicated his life to public service,” said Mayor Thomas Kuntz. “He was an excellent police officer who cared about people.”
Besides the council, Okerberg was also a coach for youth sports.
Okerberg underwent back surgery earlier this month and an infection got into his spine, Kuntz said. He was hospitalized at United Hospital in St. Paul, where he was taken off life support over the weekend.
He had battled chronic pain for several years.
In 2014, Okerberg was elected to the city council as a member-at-large. He replaced Raymond Truelson, who died earlier in 2014 while serving on the council. Okerberg was re-elected to the council in 2018.
During his short illness, Okerberg only missed the last council meeting on May 18. “He served until the end,” Kuntz said.
Okerberg’s dedication to the council, Kuntz said, will be sorely missed. The mayor complimented Okerberg for the extensive research he put into issues. “He wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion,” Kuntz said.
Kuntz expects the council to appoint a replacement for Okerberg in the near future. He said applications will likely be taken in June after the council meets.
Funeral services for Okerberg will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Bethel Church in Owatonna. The funeral will also be live-streamed at www.bethelowatonna.com.