Dr. Martin Oken Obituary (1939 - 2019)

On July 23rd, Dr. Martin Oken, age 79, of Minneapolis, died of complications from Parkinson's disease which he handled with grace for 20 years. He was born December 24, 1939 and grew up in Rochester, NY. He attended University of Michigan and Duke Medical Schools. His training continued at University of Rochester, NYU Medical Center and in El Paso, Texas where he served for two years in the Army. He worked for 18 years at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center and rose to full professor at the University of MN Medical School. The pinnacle achievement of his career was helping to create and actualize the vision of The Virginia Piper Cancer Institute, of which he was medical director from 1993-2003. He was a source of comfort, wisdom and hope to all of his patients, including those in Litchfield, MN where he was a consulting doctor for 22 years. He co-authored over 115 articles in medical publications. He was a man of charm and wit. His love of music knew no bounds and this profound appreciation compelled him to share his eclectic taste with his friends and colleagues. He was married to his wife, Naomi for 51 years and was the proud and loving father to Jonathan, Dara and Juliette, and grandfather to Noah and Eli. His authenticity, humor, and kindness have left an indelible impact on all those who knew him. Survived by wife, Naomi; daughters, Dara (Frank Hurley) Oken, Juliette Oken; grandsons, Noah and Eli. Graveside service 11:00 am, FRIDAY, July 26, 2019, ADATH YESHURUN CEMETERY, 5605 France Ave. S., Edina. Memorials preferred to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research or donor's favorite charity. SHIVA at Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, Sunday 7:00 pm and at Sholom Home East, 740 Kay Avenue, St. Paul, Monday 7:00 pm