David W. Okey

David William Okey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 79. Born on September 3, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, son to Earl and Kathryn (Ihitcaga) Okey, David lived a life rich in love, learning, and service.

Dave spent his early years in Princeton, Wisconsin, before moving to Denver, Colorado, with his family where he attended Regis High School and graduated with honors in 1964. He later bravely served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, gaining an honorable discharge in 1970. Throughout his life, David had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He attended the University of Colorado (Boulder) and in the winter of 1971, he would meet his future bride, Rita Holst. They would go on to be wed on June 16, 1972. He would graduate in 1972 with a degree in Chemistry. He then went on to earn an MS degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Dave eventually settled in Rockford with his family of four including two daughters, Susan and Sara. Dave was a wonderful father and loved spending time with his girls. Some of the activities he enjoyed with them included going to the movies, getting ice an cream and making Dad jokes. While working in aerospace engineering at the Sundstrand Corporation, Dave set his sights on an additional educational goal. He and some of his Sundstrand colleagues carpooled to Chicago to attend John Marshall Law School with the goal of using their technical and engineering knowledge to become patent attorneys. He embraced the world of law and practiced law until gradually retiring in recent years.

Dave strongly believed in the importance of a good education and tutored math at Lincoln Middle School until his granddaughter, Zoya, arrived, introducing him to a new journey: being a grandfather.

He loved being a grandfather, and he enjoyed every moment he spent with her. In his personal life, Dave appreciated simple pleasures: early morning walks with the family dog at Alpine Park, making Christmas cookies, attending family picnics, listening to classical music, watching classic films like Mad Max and Gladiator, finding a good bargain, and walking with Rita around their neighborhood. 

He also enjoyed his time in the East High Booster Club, supporting Girl Scout lasagna dinners, reading a good book, and cheering on the Chicago Bears. A long-time member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, he and Rita spent over 40 years with the church where they embraced their faith and found a true home within a congregation. His faith guided him through all of life’s challenges, reflecting a heart dedicated to service and compassion.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 53 years, Rita; his daughters Susan Okey and Sara (Keith) Weigle; beloved granddaughter Zoya, and bonus grandchildren Ian (Liz) Weigle, and Paige (Austin Bernhard); siblings Martin Okey, Mary Ellen Green, Calvin (Jeane) Okey, sister-in-law Diane Okey, and all of their families. He is predeceased by his parents Earl and Kay; his brother Michael Okey, and family dogs Stella and Cinnamon.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2026, from 9:30 AM until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 AM St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to:

Rock House Kids

The Rockford Rescue Mission

Rock River Valley Pantry

To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com