Henry "Don" Donald Stockman

Henry Donald “Don” Stockman of Fargo, passed away on January 14, 2014, at home under the care of Hospice.

Don was born in Grenora, ND on September 28, 1931 to Francis and Lorraine (McLean) Stockman. He grew up in Williston, ND, graduating with the class of 1949. After attending one year of college in Colorado, he joined the US Marine Corps, serving in Korea. While in the Corps, he met and married the former Sonya Lee Raike. They returned to North Dakota in January of 1954 where he resumed his education at University of North Dakota.

By 1957, Don had earned his CPA and graduated Cum Laude from UND with a bachelors in Business Administration. He and Sonya returned to Williston where he was initially employed in the family business, Stockman Motors. In 1958, when the Williston branch of UND was opened, he served as Business Manager and Director of that institution. His Masters in Business Administration followed in 1965.

In 1966, Don moved his family to Fargo to become Comptroller of NDSU. He was named Vice President of Business and Finance in 1969 and maintained that position until his retirement in 1991. Throughout his career, Don was involved in numerous committees for the State University System, NDSU and the City of Fargo. He was instrumental in the conception and development of the FargoDome and the Industrial Park.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends with whom he shared many activities over the years. He liked to travel, golf and fish (especially annual trips to Canada) and spent a number of years as a “hobby” rancher accompanied by his faithful dog, Pepper.

After retirement, Don and Sonya became snowbirds, eventually spending half of each year at their home in Arizona. They remained avid NDSU supporters and he was especially pleased to see the Bison football team “three-peat” the national championship.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Sonya, daughters Donna (Cliff) Rodenburg and Leslie (Kevin) Gourde, both of Fargo; daughter Teresa (Scott) Smith, Gila Bend, AZ, and son Stephen (Kathy) Stockman of Shelby Township, Michigan; grandchildren Nicole and Erica Rodenburg, Monica (Brandon) Hoover, Jordan and Nathan Gourde and Stephen Stockman.

Don is also survived by his sisters; Rae LaVonne (Erv) Sletten, Peoria, AZ, Shirley Groth, Williston, ND, Marilyn (Bill) Mitchell, Fargo, and brother Richard (Dorothy) Stockman, Mandan, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service in Fargo will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley.