Marland Koker
Sept. 30, 1944 – Aug. 9, 2025
Marland Gene Koker, 80, passed away at his home in Lebanon on Aug. 9, 2025.
Marland was born Sept. 30, 1944, in Lebanon to Della Scheler and Osker Koker.
He grew up primarily in Sweet Home and lived in the Willamette Valley most of his life.
While growing up, he worked with his family tending to the family property at Ames Creek.
Marland worked in various mills in the Willamette Valley, on ranches in central and eastern Oregon, and retired from Burlington Northern Railroad in Albany after 20 years.
Marland had six children: Tracy Koker, Teresa Koker, L. Osker Koker, and Tony Koker with former wife Lynda Valentine, Gary Koker with Linda Troite, and Casey Tessen with Kristine Powell.
Marland loved the outdoors and remained active until his final weeks. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a pastime he shared with many family members and friends.
He enjoyed walking the beach of the Oregon Coast searching for agates, walking trails and wildlife refuges, and just being outside enjoying scenery and wildlife.
He was known for his daily walks and bike rides.
Marland spent many sunny days working in the yard and helping other family members with theirs.
In his last months he spent time sitting on the porch watching birds, doing word finds, and walking his dog Toby, who was by his side always for the last five years.
Marland enjoyed watching Oregon Ducks sports, old westerns, and turning up the classic rock in the car.
In Marland’s younger years he was known for being a guy most wouldn’t want to tangle with. To his many grandchildren he was known as “Papa Koker.”
He had a huge sense of humor and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a father figure to anyone who needed one.
Marland is survived by children Teresa Koker, Tony Koker, Gary Koker and Casey Tessen; siblings Donald Koker, Joyce Young and Michael Koker; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his French bulldog Toby.
Marland was preceded in death by his parents, Osker Koker and Della Heseman; stepparents Dorothy Koker and Rey Heseman; children L. Osker Koker and Tracy Koker; siblings Roland Koker, Raymond Koker and Linda Horstman, and long-time companion Kristine Powell.
Donations on Marland’s behalf can be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice or Safe Haven Humane Society. A Celebration of Life will be held Sept. 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Waterloo County Park.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.
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