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MONROE, Sevier County — Ralph Okerlund, a former Utah state senator, city councilman, mayor and county commissioner, has died at age 72, according to an online obituary.
Okerlund, of Monroe in Sevier County, represented Utah's 23rd Senate District from 2009 to 2020 and served as the Senate majority leader from 2013 to his retirement. His career of public service spanned more than 30 years, beginning with a stint on the Monroe City Council, before he served as mayor and then Sevier County commissioner.
He died on Oct. 9 in his Monroe home.
"I'm deeply saddened by the passing of a cherished colleague, former Sen. Ralph Okerlund," Utah Senate President Stuart Adams said in a statement last week. "He dedicated his life to serving the state, tirelessly advocating for Utah's rural communities and becoming a trusted friend to many. ... His legacy of service and kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. My prayers are with his wife, Cindy, and their three children during this difficult time."
"Former Sen. Ralph Okerlund represented the best of rural Utah," said Gov. Spencer Cox. "He dedicated his life to public service with a focus on rural economies, education and public lands. Sen. Okerlund was an exceptional legislator, and an exceptional man."
Former Gov. Gary Herbert, whose administration overlapped with much of Okerlund's time in the Senate, offered "heartfelt condolences."
"Utah is a better place because of his service and dedication to family, faith and friends," he said.
His obituary did not provide a cause of death but notes he had heart and kidney transplants, and his family thanked his doctors for helping him, noting the "extra time he was able to gain with family due to the miraculous work."
