MILTON L. "HOKEY" PERSON

Milton Person, 86, recently of the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake, died there peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, with his nieces by his side. Funeral services will be held at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, with Pastor Robert Buechler officiating. Visitation will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00 on Monday, February 17. Burial will follow in the spring at Trinity-Bergen Cemetery. Milton Lester Person was born on the family farm four miles north of Starkweather, ND, on July 3, 1927, the youngest child of Nels and Margaret (Mikkelson) Person. He graduated from Starkweather High School in 1945. Milton began working on the family farm at a very young age and continued to work the land, raise livestock, and care for his parents throughout much of his adult life. They moved from the farm to Starkweather in 1968 where he lived until moving to Devils Lake in recent years. Milton’s very special friend of nearly 40 years was Florence Hesser of Devils Lake. After Milton’s retirement from farming, they enjoyed several trips together ranging from nearby casinos to as far away as Florida. Milton will forever and fondly be remembered as “Hokey” by his nieces and nephews. His great physical strength, coupled with a gentle and playful nature, made his visits a memorable time with lots of laughter and joy. Milton is survived by his friend, Florence, and nieces and nephews Michael (Cathy) Person of Cairns, Australia, Robert Person of Devils Lake, ND, and Doug (Pat) Person of Fargo, ND, Brian (Cindy) Person of Palo Cedro, CA, Peggy Person of Berthold, ND, Nancy (John) Kleinsasser of Chester, MT, Kelly (Guy) Grigsby of Minot, ND, and Carol Person of Berthold, ND. He is also survived by cousins and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Myrtle, brothers Percy, Myron, and Lyle, sisters-in-law Olga, Marie, Clara, and Avis and niece Gayle Lawson. God bless you, Uncle Hokey!