Forrest Kroke

Forrest Mathew Kroke was born August 12, 1933 at McVille, ND, the oldest of 13 children born to Thorney and Theresa (Byrne) Kroke. He was raised on his parent's farm near Michigan, educated at Melrose Township School #4, and graduated with the class of 1951 at Michigan High School. Forrest was inducted into the U.S. Army on January 7, 1954. He served in Korea as an Artillery Specialist with the infantry. He was honorably discharged on October 25, 1955 with the rank of Corporal. He returned home and began working at the Johnson Store for Ed Toutges from 1955 until 1993. Forrest was united in marriage to Betty Hendrickson on July 21, 1956 at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church in Michigan . In 1993 Forrest and Betty purchased the store from Ed. He retired in 2003 and sold the store. Forrest was a lifelong resident of Michigan and parishioner at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where he had also served on the Parish Council. He was one of the original members of the Michigan Ambulance Service and also a member of the Michigan Fire Department, in which he was a past Fire Chief. Forrest was a member of the American Legion and was a Past Commander. He was a member of the Service Club in Michigan, he was Co-Chairman of the Michigan Centennial Committee, and also served on the city council prior to serving as Mayor from 1972 until 1978. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, hunting, and gardening.

Forrest will be deeply missed by his wife, Betty Kroke of Michigan; his daughter, Rhonda (Bart) Wall of Lakota, ND; his son, Mathew Kroke (special friend, Lisa Davis) of Michigan; 8 grandchildren, Jared, Darren, Cory, Shane & Katie Wall, and Alex, Evan & Brynn Kroke; 6 brothers, Keith (Bea) of Fargo, ND, Robert of Silverdale, WA, Jerome (Gayle) of Auburn, WA, Neil (Patricia) of Trumbull, CT, Steven (Evelyn) of East Grand Forks, MN, and Otis (Kathy) of Crosby, ND; 6 sisters, Norma (James) Vasichek of Michigan, ND, Elaine Berdahl of Fargo, ND, Jeanne Vasichek of Fargo, ND, Mary (John) Larson of Fargo, ND, Terry Kroke of Moorhead, MN, and Carol (Steve) Lovejoy of Argusville, ND; 4 sisters-in-law, Donna Kallestad of Northfield, MN, Marilyn (Wayne) Reep of Bismarck, ND, Eleanor (Robert) Benson of Fairview, TX, and Marian Hendrickson of McVille, ND; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 infant sons; sister-in-law, Darby Kroke; 2 brothers-in-law, Toby Berdahl and Vernon Hendrickson; and nephew, Jeff Vasichek.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church, Michigan , ND, on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Steven J. Meyer. Interment will be in the spring at the Michigan Cemetery. Forrest's grandchildren will be serving as casketbearers. An Honor Guard will be accorded by the W.L. Cowper American Legion Post #238 of Michigan . Visitation will be held at the Church on Thursday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.