John Kroke

  John Elliott Kroke, 79, of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of Owatonna, MN, passed away on May 19, 2016 at home surrounded by his children. John (nicknamed Toupee) was born August 4, 1936 in Stephen, MN, the son of Elmer and Maxine (Elliott) Kroke. He grew up in Stephen and graduated from Stephen High School in 1954 and UND in 1959 with an education degree. He married Jean Bye in 1956 in Grand Forks, ND and they had three children, Jill, Jack and Joni. In 1960, John began his teaching career in Owatonna, MN, teaching junior high social studies. He was named “Teacher of the Year” in 1967 in Owatonna. John took a career change and sold life insurance for a while, but his true passion was teaching. John was also a member of the Owatonna Elks Club and held the office of Exalted Ruler from 1969 – 1970. In 1977 he married Judy Hagedorn. John enjoyed cooking, traveling, winters in Arizona and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2014, John moved to Grand Forks, ND to be near his children. John is survived by his children, Jill (Tim) Nies, Jack Kroke and Joni (Don) Newmann, all of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Alyssa Nies (Fiancé A.J. Hammen), Kelsey (Tim) Lindquist, Bryan Nies, Mikayla Nies, Hannah Kroke (Fiancé, B. J. Hangsleben), Collin Kroke; great grandchildren, Zayne Lindquist, Carter Hangsleben; sister, Marilyn (Richard) Hanson, Stephen, MN; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Kathy Seinfeld. A family memorial service will be held at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks on Monday, May 23, 2016. Online guest registry available at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com