Dr. Henry Andrew Stokke was born March 5, 1929, in Columbus, MT, to Samuel and Mildred (Reinecke) Stokke. He passed peacefully in his sleep on November 8, 2020, at the age of 91. Being raised in the Roscoe area on a homestead, he spent much of his time at the Lazy EL Ranch with his father “Eskimo Sam”, a ranch hand and Norwegian immigrant. In his younger years, his father started the Horseshoe Inn, which later became the Roscoe Bar then the Grizzly Bar. He attended grade school in Roscoe and was always looking for ways to make money. He was paid a bounty for magpie eggs and also trapped skunks to skin and sell to fur buyers (his teacher would send him home when smelled too badly of skunk). He graduated high school in Absarokee, MT. During his high school years, he packed in and planted fish eggs in Snow and Phantom Lake, located in the East Rosebud drainage where 40 years later his son possibly found the original fish egg box.
He attended undergraduate school at Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University. He then married Juanita Yates in 1951. After he was married, he attended Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where he achieved his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1955. This is also where his first son Henry Banner was born. He practiced in Baker, OR, and Big Timber, MT where his second son Samuel Lee was born. Next, he served as a veterinarian in the US Air force in Massachusetts, achieving the rank of a Captain. During this time Juanita passed away.
After being discharged from the Air Force, he built a veterinary practice in Plentywood, MT, serving the areas of Montana, North Dakota, and Saskatchewan until 1969. While in Plentywood, he met a nurse named Carol Sundsted at the Blue Moon, and they married in December of 1960. His third son Dana Paul was born, and his only daughter, Marla Sue, followed. From 1969-1970 he was the district veterinarian for Eastern Montana, which was based out of Billings. After working for the state, he went into private practice in Forsyth, MT, where he practiced for 10 years until receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. He continued working as a veterinarian part-time, ran cattle, and was elected Rosebud County Commissioner for 11 years. He was a known country veterinarian often doing procedures at ranches. One story includes him crawling up in the back of an old pickup with a stock rack and successfully completing a cesarean section on a two-year-old heifer that was having difficulty birthing.
Some of his special times with his family included boating and fishing at many lakes and rivers, especially Fort Peck Reservoir. He was an avid hunter and especially cherished his time hunting with his sons. A fond memory is a time where he roped a moose out of a boat at Lake La Ronge. His son returned to the lake many years later, and the story is still passed around by the locals today. He was also known for his coyote calling, occasionally calling in unexpected critters, including foxes and bobcats.
While in his retirement, he spent much time in his woodworking shop making projects that are visible in every room of his home and the homes of his children.
Of all his accomplishments in life, he was most proud of all four of his children and only granddaughter following in his footsteps, attaining doctorate degrees. He will be remembered for living a remarkable life, his work ethic and toughness, his eternal optimism, and his love of chocolate.
During his last year of life, he was diagnosed with and dealt with Multiple Myeloma.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters Bernice Brumley and Celia Linn, and his beloved daughter Dr. Marla Sue O’Brien Faye. He is survived by his loving wife Carol of 60 years; his three brothers Pete, Fred, and Steve Stokke; his sons Dr. Banner (Pat) Stokke, Dr. Sam (Lorna) Stokke, Dr. Dana Stokke, and his son-in-law Rick Faye; his three grandchildren Dr. Erica Stokke, Zach (Halee) Stokke, and Hunter O’Brien; and two great-grandchildren Levi and Ella Stokke.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. A private family service will be held at a later date.
The Stokke family would like to thank everyone for all the thoughts, care , and stories that have been shared. They have brought back many great memories and have provided comfort during this time. Please feel free to continue to share any experiences you have had. Once again, we appreciate everyone and the time you have taken to share.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Im so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb Rolston says
Hank was a good commissioner, vet, and friend. He stood up for the county and for me when I was a social worker, and liked to visit at the yards during shipping. He worked longer than his body wanted to let him and was an inspiration that way. His mischievous side was delightful. We’ll miss him.
Ward Fenton says
Dr Stokke was a great Man and was a success At everything he did. He always showed such respect and encouragement for everyone he knew. He lived many years battling multiple sclerosis but it never got the best of him and he enjoyed life to the fullest. I always enjoyed doing business and visiting with the Dr. His family and friends will have many fond memories of this man
Karson Kluver says
Many years ago I brought a 2 year old heifer to the clinic. She was having calving problems , and couldn’t get up. Doctor Stokke crawled up into the stock rack of that old pickup and did a successful c section on her right there. My estimation of Him went over the moon.
Clark Fletcher says
Had the pleasure of working with Henry when he was one of the owners of KIKC. Always enjoyed his wisdom and wit! Rest In Peace Henry, my thoughts and prayers to his family.
Bob & Frances Dellit says
Carol and family, sorry to hear about your loss, Frances worked with Dr. Stokke for about 4 years, a great learning experience and a lot of great memories. We went on fishing trips with them, a lot of memories there,Dr. Stokke was a wonderful man to be around and will truly be missed.
Connie Brown says
To the Stokke family,
Sorry to read of your families loss, so many memories for many of this great man of the Forsyth community. Prayers for all.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
To the Stokke family,
Sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
Dean Holmes says
let me say good bye to an old friend, Doc. Always fun . Sorry about Henry’s passing. Peace be with you Carol and Family.
Lynn Tompkins says
So sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. I have great memories of his battles with dead batteries for his farm equipment that he just knew could be resurrected. Always had great smiles and laughs. He’ll be missed. A great old timer.
Doug & Cherie Heser says
To Carol and all the Stokke Family,
Another loss to our community, but a wonderful and interesting man who leaves behind him many great memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug & Cherie Heser
Robert Custer says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Henry was a great Vet and a wonderful person. He will be missed.
Jane A Toohey Hall says
You’ll be missed, Sir~
God Bless all of your family and friends.
Randy stanhope says
Carol im so sorry to hear about Henry what a wonderful man he was tougher than a old leather but a heart of gold you and the family are in my prayers
Dee Batey says
What a wonderful man. Prayers to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace my friend.
Don Hecht says
I’m so sorry for the whole Stokke family. He was a good man in all facets of his life. DON HECHT
Bill Crosby says
My condolences to the Stokke family.
Carol Moore says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janice Watson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family
Clenora Quinlan says
Henry Leaves behind a wonderful family, we enjoy each and every one of you as neighbors and friends.
Henry and I worked together in his later years at YVVC preg testing and writing Health Certificates. Oh gosh I enjoyed Hank and his stories and wisdom so much. He did amazing things for Rosebud County, and was a wonderful person and veterinarian. All of fishing wisdom, and fishing wrecks, Even with Banner on the end of a hook, as the
pair came into the clinic looking for lidocaine. to remove the hook. As a veterinarian all the families that Hank touched their lives, he’ll always be a true friend forever in our hearts.
Jessie Leidholt says
Our heart are heavy after hearing of the loss of Henry. So sorry for the family. Jessie and Jim Leidholt
Sharon cope says
So sorry For your loss. Prayers for all of the family
Elsie Sorenson says
Dear Carol, You are one great lady and prayers go out to you and your family. Rob loved Henry as lots of us.
God bless all of you. Harold ad Elsie
Karie Weamer says
Carol, Banner, Sam, Dana and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I pray the Lord brings your family the much-needed peace during this sad tome. My condolences to you all.
Karie
Nan Quinlan says
Larry and I were saddened to hear of Henry s passing. Prayers for his family at this difficult time
Judy Jens says
I knew Henry when we both served as County Commissioners for our respective counties. Henry always exhibited a quiet wisdom and commanded great respect. I liked him alot. His interesting obituary demonstrates a life well-lived. Rest well, Henry. You’ve earned it.
Norma Rangel Wegmann says
I REMEMBER ONCE WHEN MY PARENTS WERE GONE AND MY FATHER LEFT ME AND MY LITTLE SISTER TO TAKE CARE OF THE HEIFERS (DID NOT KNOW A THING ABOUT CALFING) I had trouble and the neighbors helped me take her in. Dr Stoke said ever watch a calf being pulled out I said no he said stand there and watch what an experience.
My father will miss him.
Harriet Jansen says
Will never forget the time Henry came to my place and saved no my milk cow even though she was already down. What a great man. Sending prayers your way. Harriet Sleaford Jansen.
David Lloyd says
Carol and family:
Sorry to hear of Doc’s passing. He was one of the good ones. He was great to visit with and had much common sense. He listened to you and could see both sides. He also was able to express himself very well. He was a talented person in many ways and passed his good traits onto his kids. I respected him and enjoyed our friendship. Hope you find some comfort in his having a full, rich life and cherish the joyful times. He will be there waiting for you. In the meantime, he will be visiting with his old friends who have gone up the trail before him.
Dave and Donna Lloyd
Flint Fleming says
RIP Dr. Stoke, you were always a pleasure to see and work with, thoughts and prayers to all your family and friends!
Janice Cook says
Carl and I are thinking of you and praying for you.
Mae Gress says
Our sincere condolences to all the Stokke family from Mike & Mae.
Mitchell stokke says
You will be missed Uncle Hank, great memories at Plentywood with the cousins, hauling hay, remember you and dad neutered a old Tom cat of ours, said push him head first into a boot, had a sharp knife and cut him in the bathroom, ole cat peed all over everybody, hit every wall even the ceiling, Our prayers go out to aunt Carol, and cousins.
Carolyn (Johnson) Hays says
I was so sad when Doc was given his diagnosis years back and again to hear he has passed. What a great man.
I hit a dog one time when it ran out from behind a car on Slaughter House Rd. I gathered the dog and took him to Doc to see if he could save it. The owner came in after me and got very verbally abusive toward me. Doc ran him out of the office and then gave me a big hug and told me not to cry. People like that didn’t deserve a pet and it wasn’t my fault the idiot didn’t have the dog chained. I’m sure he never knew how much that meant to me as I was crushed to have caused the death of an animal. Caring, understanding, gentle, and just an all around good person! RIP Doc
Laura Gloss says
So sorry for your loss. May all the memories keep your hearts enriched. God bless and keep you all.
Rita FitzGerald says
Not many people left that have the sense of community that came to town when Henry came to our little town! We have enjoyed his winning smile and great wit for so many blessed years. God has received him home and it is up to us to try to carry on. Thinking of all of the Stokke family.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald
Sharon Wetsch says
Carol and Families..
I am so sorry to hear that Henry passed away. He was a wonderful person. He came to my aid when I had a problem with one of my cats.. He was always so happy and nice.. He left everyone with happy memories.
Thinking of you all. Hugs and prayers….RIP Doc..
Sharon Wetsch
Nancy Royan says
I grew up with Dr. Stokke in eastern Montana. He was our family’s tried and true vet for our ranch at Froid. He enjoyed preg testing because he loved my Mom’s stew even though the weather was often below zero. You could always depend on Doc. It is with a sad heart I send you my condolences. He was a wonderful man and a Superb vet. Boy was he ever accurate at preg testing and always had a tale to tell. Probably never told the tale to anyone how we were working cows and hunters ran through the fence into the heard and started shooting. We were a duckin and Doc Stokke said well their prices just went up next time he had a call at the hunter’s place. He was going to charge them double. Thinking of you in your time of loss.
Karen Shelhamer says
So sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful person.
Prayers and love.
Louise Darland Urdahl says
So sorry for Dr. Stokke’s passing. What a full life he had! I remember this family as Banner was my classmate!! RIP. Thinking of you all.
Bob Engebretson says
Sorry to hear of Dr. Stokke’s passing…. my favorite memory was when my Dad went one Saturday to help him de-scent a litter of skunks. His excuse was that it helped to clear his sinuses, but I could tell he liked assisting/suturing…something he picked up in the Army. I didn’t realize until niw that they both went to Rocky and may have met there before we all lived in Plentywood. I have fond memories of my grade school classmate Banner. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jim Paulbeck says
Dr Sam, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Darrell l Brabec says
Prayers for your family during this time of loss. May his memory stay close to you!
Dr Robert Kane says
My success in the Plentywood Veterinary practice is due in no small part to the mentoring I received from Hank. I am still practicing but at 81 I am sharing more of the work. Dr Stokke and I put in a lot of time going from farm call to call . That has changed for the better but leaves fond memories. Hank you had a life well spent.