Clair Myron Kroke

Clair's Funeral Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3864626

His tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/3Y9Y9WZ8KFR4HJN7

Clair Myhron Kroke, age 88, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2023, at the VA Medical Center in Fargo. Clair had been in Hospice Care at the VA for the last two months, where he was surrounded by family in the last weeks.

Clair was born on the Kroke farmstead on November 13, 1934, to Carl and Mabel (Narum) Kroke, the oldest of five children. He completed his education at the Melrose Country School #2 and later graduated from Michigan High School. After working for local farmers following graduation, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training, he left on a boat with 4000 men and arrived in Korea, where he spent the next 16 months living in a tent, guarding the 49th parallel. He was honorably discharged and arrived back home in October 1955. Clair took great pride in his military experiences, and a highlight of his later years was going on the Veteran's Honor Flight to Washington DC and taking all four of his children with.

Prior to his military service, Clair met the love of his life, Donna Jean Carlson, in the Dahlen Café. Upon his return, they were married on June 10, 1957, and spent the next 43 years together, raising their family.

Clair started his career in the defense industry with Boeing in the late 60s, building minuteman missiles. He then transitioned to ITT, a large defense contractor, into a management role. This role led him to positions at military installations in North Dakota, Greenland, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, and finished up at Camp Doha in Kuwait. Clair retired after a distinguished career with ITT in 1994. Clair and Donna returned to Fordville for retirement. Donna passed away in November 2000. Following retirement, Clair spent the next ten years doing what he loved... sitting on a tractor, working for a local farmer. Clair moved to One Oak Place in Fargo in April 2013. There he was able to continue one of his passions - gardening. He was very proud of his flowers and was known for his giant tomato crop!

Clair was active in his community his entire life, from Boy Scout leader to Sunday School teacher when his children were young. He served on both the Church Council and the City Council in Fordville. He was a lifelong member of the Rotnem-Abel Post #274 American Legion in Fordville and also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served on the Board of the Park River Bible Camp for many years and was the Lutefisk King at many Fall dinners. Clair served on the Walsh County Social Service Board from 1999-2011. When he moved to Fargo, he became very involved with the Faith Chest program at his new church, St. John Lutheran, building Faith boxes for all baptisms.

Clair is survived by sons, Kevin (Kelly) Kroke and Michael (Denise) Kroke; daughters, Karen (David) Johnson and Kathryn (David) Iverson; grandchildren, Kaia (Shawn) Jelinek, Jacob and Jared Kroke, Kylie (Colt) Moen, Tanner (Tina) Linstad, Derek (Andrea) Iverson, Kelsey and Nathan Iverson; great-grandchildren, Kenadie, Bradley, Charley, Cooper, Otis, Ila; step-grandson, Derek Johnson; step-great-grandchildren, Zachery Johnson, Jessica (Ben) and Nora French; sister, Barb (Dennis) Burud; sisters-in-law, Dorcas (Lloyd) Schmidt, Judy Bondy, and Shirley Carlson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clair was preceded in death by wife, Donna; son-in-law, Chris Linstad; parents, Carl and Mabel; sister, Diane Schmidt; brothers, Allan and Dennis.

Visitation/Celebration of Life will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Fargo on Monday, November 13, 2023, with visitation beginning at 12 noon, Celebration of Life beginning at 1 pm, with a reception in the Parlor following the service. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 14, at 11 am at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Fordville.