Donald E. Stokke, 76, Coleharbor, formerly of Minot, died Saturday, August 1, 2015 surrounded by his family .

Don was born May 19, 1939 at Minot, North Dakota the son of Adolph and Myrtle (Anderson) Stokke. He was raised and educated at Granville and graduated from Granville High School. He furthered his education at Minot State College, where he received a degree in Economics in 1970.

Don entered into active duty service with the U.S. Navy in 1958, where he became a radioman, serving on different ships throughout his service. He served his country during the Vietnam Era until he was honorably discharged in 1964. Don was united in marriage to Barbara McCabe on June 5, 1965 at Granville. During his younger years, Don worked as a car salesman for Auran Chevrolet in Minot. He started working for North Dakota Job Service in 1970 and worked in: Rolla, Grafton, Devils Lake, Bismarck and Minot where he continued his employment with Job Service and worked as the NW Regional Director until retiring in 2000.

Don and Barb moved to their home at Lake Audobon near Coleharbor in 1998, where they have continued to live. They had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Don was a member of St Paul's Lutheran Church, Garrison. While living in Minot, he actively served with Sertoma and the Minot Area Development Corporation. He was a member of the Granville Masonic Lodge and Minot Shrine Association. He was also a member of the Republican National Committee. Don and Barb enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, Arizona along with hunting, fishing and golfing.

Survivors include : wife, Barbara Stokke, Coleharbor, ND; children, Jane Stokke, Minot and Jens (Amber) Stokke, Devils Lake, ND; grandchildren, Riley, Ethan, Nicholas, his favorite Granddaughter Lily and Logan; sisters, Mary Ann Widmayer and Arlene Shipman, both of Minot; many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Andrew.

Funeral service : Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in St Paul's Lutheran Church, Garrison, ND .

Graveside service with Military Honors and a Masonic service : Wednesday at 2:15p.m. in the Norwich Cemetery, rural Norwich, ND.

Visitation: Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.