Milton J. Nokleby, 75, New Rockford, returned to his heavenly home on Monday, November 20, 2017 at CHI St. Alexius Health in Carrington after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. His funeral will be held Monday, November 27 at 11:00 a. m. at the First Lutheran Church in New Rockford. Visitation will be held two hours before the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan on Tuesday, November 28 at 1:00 P. M. Arrangements with Nelson Funeral Home of Fessenden.

Milton Jerome Nokleby, son of Engar and Alma (Simonson) Nokleby, was born June 5, 1942 at New Rockford. He was raised in the Hamberg area and received his early education in the Hamberg, Fessenden and Maddock schools. He later attended Marmot High School in Mandan, graduating in 1959.

On November 25, 1959, Milton entered the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge in 1963, he worked for Chicago Bridge & Iron painting water towers .

On March 6, 1965, Milton was united in marriage to Mary Bachmeier in Montezuma, IN. They made their home in Montezuma but traveled extensively with Milton's work. In 1969 he began working for Dupont as a coal operator in their coal-steam plants in Indiana, Iowa and later in Washington, WV where he retired in December of 1999 as a boiler operator. In 2013 they moved to New Rockford where they resided since.

Milton was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Raymond B. Thorn American Legion Post #30 of New Rockford.

He loved music, especially Bluegrass. At most family events, Milton would entertain with his singing and guitar playing. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, traveling to see family, watching the Minnesota Vikings and NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; 1 daughter, Carla (Jeff) Newman of Fessenden; 2 sons, Adrien Nokleby of Parkersburg, WV and Brian (Angie) Nokleby of Williamstown, WV; 6 grandchildren and 1 sister, Sandra (Roger) Odden of Minnewaukan.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Blake and brother, Adrian Nokleby.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial be sent to Milton's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com.