Maynard Stokka

Maynard Edward Stokka, 88, a resident of Pelican Rapids, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Pelican Valley Health Center, Pelican Rapids. He was born December 16, 1922, in Story City, IA, the son of Aadne Rasmussen and Selma (Mortvedt) Stokka.  He was baptized at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City.  After the family’s move to Des Moines, IA, he was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church.  He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, IA, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN and Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Prior to his internship in Montana, he married Lorraine Nefstead on September 23, 1945, at Marble Lutheran Church, Canby, MN.  He taught high school English and Biology at Grant Consolidated High School, Ledyard, IA.  Maynard served as parish assistant to Pastor Arthur L. Swenson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin, MN and was ordained there August 7, 1949. Between January 1956 and June 1978, he served as pastor to a number of Minnesota congregations:  Bethany, Remer; Salem, Longville; Zion, Boy River; (also beginning work at Outing); Rollag and Gran, Hawley; Park, Lake Park; and Hamar and Hedemarken, Rothsay.  The last parish he served full time was in Granton, Wisconsin and included Zion American at Granton and Zion Pine Valley near Neillsville.  He served as interim pastor at Swan Lake Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls and assisted at Peace Lutheran Parish, Ashby. In 1986 Maynard and Lorraine retired and moved to Little Pleasant Lake near Underwood and in 1999 they moved to Fergus Falls.  Maynard was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. His wife, Lorraine; his parents; two brothers, Lawrence and Oscar; and a son-in-law, Dwayne Bronk, preceded him in death. Survivors include sons:  Jerome (Maria) Stokka of Pelican Rapids, MN, Joel (Vickie) Stokka of Winter Haven, FL, and Jonathan (Charissa) Stokka of Byron, MN; daughters:  Patrice (Steve) Aksamit of Prior Lake, MN, Kathryn Stokka-Bronk of Big Lake, MN, and Amy Stokka (Greg Sauer) of Woodland Park, CO;  18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews. Memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity or the local food shelf.