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American professional wrestling interviewer and announcer.
Born December 19th, 1942 in Brookings.
Died January 2nd, 2019 at 76 years old in Sarasota (respiratory failure). [ref]
MIDDLETON, WISCONSIN - On January 2nd, 2019, the renowned broadcaster Gene Okerland, 76, passed away peacefully. Born October 19th, 1942 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Okerlund had a distinguished career in professional wrestling and sports media. As the beloved ring announcer for the American Wrestling Association and the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), his ratings boomed. His interviews, like those with Hogan and Piper, were well-known and remembered. His work on WWWF All-Star Wrestling (1981–1984), WWE Prime Time Wrestling (1985–1993) and Monday Night Raw (1993) cemented him as an icon in sports media. Okerlund's professional pivot to television in the late 80s provided a platform for Okerlund to explore his onscreen presence and provide comedic insight. Okerlund is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jeanne Okerlund (née Sample); children Todd, Tori and Tyla; brother-in-law Bob Sample; nephew Joe; and close friends and colleagues. Okerlund's legacy will live on forever in the history of professional wrestling and sports broadcasting. May he rest in peace.
Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no to-morrow. To forget time, to forget life, to be at peace. Oscar Wilde