Gustav H Okraku

With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to Almighty God for a life well lived, we gather to celebrate the life of the late Odehye Gustav Henaku Okraku. He was born on May 20, 1946, at Praprabaabida in the Eastern Region of Ghana, to the late Kwabena Okraku of Akropong-Akuapem and the late Hannah Aforo of Akropong-Akuapem.

He was affectionately called Gus by many and Kwame by those who knew him closely.

The young Gustav began his formal education at the age of six at Abiriw Presbyterian Primary School. He continued his middle school education at Presbyterian Boarding School in Akropong, popularly known as Salem, and later proceeded to Prempeh College in Kumasi, where he obtained his GCE O’ Level in 1966. After completing high school, he worked briefly with the West African Examinations Council.

In 1972, seeking greater opportunities and a brighter future, Gustav travelled to the United States of America and settled in Chicago. While there, he attended Loop College for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977.

Like many determined sons of the land who journey abroad with purpose, Gustav worked hard while pursuing his education. He supported himself through honest labor, first at a factory on the South Side of Chicago and later as an orderly at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Upon completion of his studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, Gustav worked briefly with Lolles & Company, a CPA firm, before joining the City of Chicago Department of Revenue. There, he served faithfully and diligently as an accountant until his retirement.

During one of his visits to Ghana, Gustav attended the New Year School seminar at the University of Ghana. It was at this gathering that he met the love of his life, Awuraa Adwoa Okraku. Their meeting blossomed into a cherished relationship and became an important part of his life’s journey.

Gustav was a man of kindness, wisdom, generosity, leadership, faith, and deep devotion to family. He was a counselor, a storyteller, and a steady presence to many. He loved jazz and fontomfrom drumming, and he found joy in the rhythm, spirit, and beauty of music. To his children, he was a devoted father. To his nephews and nieces, he was more than an uncle; he was a father figure, lovingly called Dada Kwame or Papa Henaku. His words carried wisdom, his presence brought comfort, and his life left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves behind to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life his beloved spouse, Awuraa Adwoa Okraku; his children, Kudjo Achem Okraku, Nana Boakye Okraku, Kwaku Okraku, and Aforo Okraku; his grandchildren, including Vivian-Grace Achem, Afia Ohenewaa, Yaa Nyantakyiwaa, and Kwaku Boakye; his nephews and nieces; great-nephews and great-nieces; in-laws; friends; and all those whose lives were blessed by his love, counsel, and friendship.

As the family, friends, and loved ones gather today, we give thanks to Almighty God and to our ancestors for the precious life of Odehye Gustav Henaku Okraku. We remember a life marked by dignity, humility, service, wisdom, and love. Though he has answered the call of his Maker and gone ahead of us, his good name, his counsel, and his legacy will continue to live in the hearts of his family and in the generations that follow.

Gus, Kwame, Dada Kwame, Papa Henaku, yɛ ma wo damirifa due. Due ne amanehunu. Nante yie. May your soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord until we meet again.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Gustav’s visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130, US, on September 19, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by burial at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7750 Cermak Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130, US, on September 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.