George Litke, 86, Fessenden, passed away Friday, June 13, 2014 at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck.

George Litke, son of John and Lena (Pepple) Litke, was born December 12, 1927 at Fessenden where he grew up and attended Fessenden Public School, graduating in 1945. He later enrolled at Dakota Business College in Fargo, graduating in 1949.

In 1950 George began farming with his father and later took over the family farm. He was married to Ruth McBain on August 24, 1961 in Minot. They made their home on the Litke farm north of Fessenden and continued to farm until their retirement in 1990. Beginning in 1967, they spent their winters in McAllen, TX. George and Ruth loved to golf, watch sports, travel and dance. Ruth passed away January 6, 2010.

George was active in the community, serving on the Wells County F. H. A. Board, the Wells County Better Seed and Grain Association Board, the Fessenden Co-op Association Board and the Fessenden Golf Course Board. He was a member of the Devils Lake Elks Lodge, the Fessenden Masonic Lodge, the Harvey Eagles Club and the Fargo Moose Lodge.

He is survived by 2 step-sons; 9 step-grandchildren and 8 step great-grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; step-daughter, Sheila Stephan and his parents.

Funeral: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Fessenden.
Visitation: Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden.
Burial: Hillside Cemetery of Fessenden.