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