William J. Boknecht, 66, Minot, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008, in a Minot care facility.

Bill was born June 25, 1942 in Mott, ND, to Herbert and Lydia (Roesler) Boknecht. He grew up in Burt, spending many days hiking and hunting along the Cannon Rall, The Thirty Mile Creek, and on the Buttes. He attended a one room grade school in Burt and graduated from Mott High School in 1960. Bill obtained a B.S. in Social Science from UND in 1964 and was drafted into the Army in November of 1964. He served two years with the 101st Airborne and was discharged in November o f 1966. Following his military service, he returned to school, earning a MS in Social Science from the University of Nebraska.

He began his career in social work in Jamestown and continued at the Badlands Human Service Center at Dickinson.

He was employed by Davy Pottery at the time of his death.

His hobbies include photography, flying, and most of all reading. His collection of books, mostly non-fiction, was extensive. No subject was off limits to his probing mind. His love for southwest North Dakota and bird hunting on the farm continued until his death.

A celebration of his life and some hunting will take place on the farm near Burt during the opening weekend of pheasant season this fall.

Surviving family includes: Brother: David (Patty Cooper) Boknecht, Lewiston, Idaho; Brother-in-law: Leroy Anseth, Williston, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

William is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Rita Anseth.

A meeting of friends to remember and recall will take place on Friday, July 25, 2008, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. at Main Street Books located at 106 South Main St., Minot. All who knew Bill are welcome.

Memorials are preferred to Dakota Resource Council PO Box 1095, Dickinson, ND 58601.