Vennoy Stokke

Vennoy Geneva Stokke, age 76, of New Rockford, ND died Monday, May 9, 2011, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Vennoy G. Nelson was born on December 12, 1934, the daughter of Charlie and Josie (Simonson) Nelson at the family home in Wells County near Bremen, ND. She grew up and attended school in the Bremen area. Vennoy was united in marriage to Earl Stokke of Cathay, ND, in a ceremony at First Lutheran Church in New Rockford on December 30, 1952. They farmed in the New Rockford area for many years. They started a family and eventually had 7 children – Earl Jr., MarJean, Allen, Nelson, Scott, Nancy and Emily.

Being the wife of a farmer, Vennoy made jellies, milked cows, picked rocks and wiped lots of noses. Her family remained the top priority throughout her life - unselfishly giving to them and helping them whenever they needed her. While still raising kids, she went to work outside the home. After 32 years of working at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, she retired and the fun began. That’s when the grandbabies showed up. In all, 13 grandbabies and of late, 3 great-grandbabies, with 2 more on the way! They were the greatest blessings in her life.

Vennoy was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, and professed her faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ at a young age. She demonstrated her faith by loving her family and her neighbors throughout her life.

She is survived by 4 sons, Earl Jr., New Rockford, Allen (Nancy), Salida, CA, Nelson (Beverly), Modesto, CA, Scott (Cris), Chaffee, ND; 3 daughters, MarJean (Jeff) Pfau, New Rockford, Nancy (Daniel) Lies, Ypsilanti, ND, Emily (Bob) Gjestvang, Denver, CO; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Eldon (Mary Lou) Nelson, New Rockford, Byron (Pauline) Nelson, West Fargo, ND; 2 sisters, Doris Jordan and Alerene Hoffman, both of New Rockford; and 1 sister-in-law, Anna Marie Ludwig, Spokane, WA.

Vennoy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and 3 brothers, Victor, Clayton and Harley.

 

FUNERAL SERVICE: First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 10:30AM

BURIAL: Stavanger Cemetery, rural Cathay, ND

Posted Condolences:

 

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Name: Leeah Howard

Date: 05/17/2011

Message: Emily, It seems like just yesterday when we were in Denver together remembering Dave. So sorry for your loss. I can't even express in words how sad this time is for both of us. God bless you and your family. Leeah

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Name: Faith Trudeau

Date: 5/15/2011

Message: So sorry for the loss of your Mother. Earl & MarJean keep her happy smiling kind face alive in your memories. You never lose your MOTHER God just takes her to heaven to watch over all of you.

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Name: Colleen and Terry Dockter

Date: 5/14/11

Message: My condolences to the family in their time of loss

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Name: Stacey Skadberg Rzaszutak

Date: 05/13/11

Message: So sorry for your loss! It's been years since we have seen each other, but I still remember all the fun times we had in Cathay.

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Name: Deb Hoffman

Date: May 11, 2011

Message: My condolences to the Stokke family in their time of loss. Aunt Vennoy was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed by all. My prayers are with you all.

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Name: Connie Moen Brown

Date: May 11,2011

Message: I just heard on the radio that your Mom has passed away. I am on my way to Phoenix for my Granddaughter's graduation from grad school or I would be with you all now. I always liked your mom and have all good memories of her. My thoughts will be with each of you. Connie Moen Brown