Gloria Rokke
Gloria Rokke of Bemidji, formerly of Newfolden, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Newfolden with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church, and burial services will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Newfolden.
Gloria Lois Langlie was born May 12, 1938, daughter of Hans and Thora (Moe) Langlie in Thief River Falls, MN. She was raised near Newfolden and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1956.
On October 19, 1957, Gloria was united in marriage to Orvald Emery Rokke in Thief River Falls. To this union four children were born: Bruce, Dean, DelRay, and Kim. The couple purchased a small farm west of Newfolden where they raised their family. They moved to Bemidji in 2015.
Gloria worked at various places including Land-O-Lakes, Arctic Cat, Green’s Mink Farm, and Valley Home.
Gloria was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Eagles in Thief River Falls, and a very active member of the New Hope Lutheran Church. She volunteered for the Modern Woodmen of America, and she had a home-based business sewing custom-made items for American Crystal Sugar. Every grandchild in the family was given a handmade silky blanket that became everybody’s favorite, and they also received a quilt made by Gloria upon their graduation. Gloria is survived by her children: Bruce (Debbie) of Nekoosa, WI; Dean of Bemidji; DelRay (Barbara) of Maplewood, MN; and Kim (Aaron) Peterson of Bemidji; nine grandchildren (Nick, Lee, Dan, Shawn, Marina, Marisa, Dustin, Beau, and Raielle); sixteen greatgrandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; twin brother Gale; sister Mavis Hanson; and other extended family.
Gloria is preceded in death by: her husband Orvald; parents Hans and Thora Langlie; brothers Dennis and Howard; sisters Ione Tuura and Mildred Oseth; infant sister Fern; granddaughter Brandi Rokke; and great-granddaughter Kami Jo Fincher.