Duane A. Bokn

Duane A. Bokn, 73 of Devils Lake, ND passed away early Thursday morning, August 3, 2017 at Valley Memorial Homes in Grand Forks, ND. Duane Allen, son of Louis and Myrtle (Thompson) Bokn was born on July 8, 1944 in Devils Lake, ND. He was educated in Devils Lake and graduated from Devils Lake Central High with the class of 1962.  On August 1, 1966 he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on July 23, 1968 with the rank of Sergeant.  He was the recipient of several medals and commendations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Combat Medal with 2 bars.  After his discharge, he continued his education at UND, Grand Forks and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1972.   He then began a 35 year career with Leevers Foods.  He started working for Leevers Foods in 1972. He was the manager of the Williston Store until it closed and then came back to Devils Lake to Leevers Super Valu.  He managed the Liquor Locker from 1978 until 1992 and returned to the store until he retired in 2007.  Duane was a great PR person for Leevers.  He was so friendly to everyone and knew so many people by name. Duane was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, taught Sunday School classes for 3 years; 7th,8th and 9th grades.  He frequently stated, “I love each of you as my own, best class ever.” He always expressed to others that teaching Sunday School was one of the best things in his life.  He also was involved in the Big Brother Program and Amachi Mentor Program for kids.  Duane also enjoyed membership in the Elks Lodge and VFW.  Duane was such a positive ambassador and supporter for Devils Lake and the Lake Region. He enjoyed attending high school sporting events and concerts in Devils Lake and also the small towns in the area.  He attended all the musical events, such as the Elks Band Concerts, Arts in the Park in the summer and the Fort Totten Little Theater Productions.  Many times he would have a friend or one of the residents of the area homes with him, giving them the opportunity to be out and about.  Duane served his country, his church and his community with a generous and loving heart. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and his community.  Duane is survived by his brother, Larry Bokn, Colorado Springs, CO and many cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Louis in 1988, his mother Myrtle in 2001 and his brother Curtis in 1999. Cards may be mailed to the Gilbertson Funeral Home P.O. Box 632, Devils Lake, ND and they will then be passed on to Duane’s family members. Funeral Services for Duane will be held on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Army.  Friends may call on Monday at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of service.