John P Klokstad

John Peter Klokstad, age 93, passed away October 10, in Omaha, NE.

John was born in Tioga, ND, the middle child of Peter and Caroline Klokstad. Alongside them and siblings, Anna Belle and Gary, John split his time growing up between Tioga and Seattle.

After high school, John enlisted in the US Navy. John served from 1949 to 1953 in the Mediterranean and Guam, giving him a view of the world that he would never forget. When he returned home, he attended Monterey Peninsula Junior College, Seattle Pacific College and ultimately graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1959. A few years later, he earned his Master of Education at UND, paving his way to a career in education.

John started his teaching career in White Earth, ND, where he met his wife, Patricia. Over the course of their 56-year marriage, their careers took them to Alexander, Stanley and Leeds, before settling in Grand Forks, where they raised their two children. John dedicated 34 years to education, serving as associate principal at Central HS, and principal at Schroeder and Twining Middle Schools until his retirement in 1993.

With a passion for history and storytelling, John would often captivate others with tales from his own life, eager to share his experiences with anyone willing to listen.

But it was his role as a grandpa that truly filled his heart. John cherished every moment with his four grandchildren, delighting in their achievements, laughter and recently the arrival of his first great-grandchild.

John leaves behind a legacy through his daughter Heather Obregon of Omaha, son Peter Klokstad of Fargo, brother Gary (Anne) Klokstad of Lake Forest Park, WA, grandchildren Joshua (Kate) Obregon of Omaha, Delaney (Patrick) Morgenstern of East Lansing, MI, Danielle (Tyson) Svoboda of Omaha, Jillian Obregon of Charlotte, NC, and great-grandson Brady Obregon, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, November 9, from 1-3 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that memorial contributions be donated to either the North Dakota United Foundation or the UND Alumni Association Foundation.

Though his story on earth has ended, John’s spirit endures in the memories of his loved ones.