Brock Stokke

Brock Stokke, 26, died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash Sunday, Aug. 5, south of Great Falls.

His funeral is 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Great Falls. A graveside service and interment is 11 a.m. Saturday at Roscoe Cemetery in Roscoe. Croxford Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Brock Stokke, our beloved son, brother and friend was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him. Brock lived life to the fullest, sharing his dreams and fun loving nature with anyone and everyone. From the very beginning, Brock was an adventurer - he didn't just learn to walk, he learned to run! Born Oct. 14, 1985, to Pete and Athlene Stokke, he grew up in the Sun River Valley enjoying the freedom of living on the farm; you could always find him playing outside, whether he was fishing, playing in the dirt or hunting. If it involved the outdoors and people, Brock would make it fun!

Brock attended school at Vaughn Elementary, where he was well-liked by peers, parents and teachers alike. He was always active and creative, enjoying sports and any outdoor games he could dream up. Brock especially loved soccer, hunting and skiing. He continued to pursue his passions while attending C.M. Russell High School, graduating in 2004. Beginning high school small in stature, but big in heart and enthusiasm, he played varsity soccer and lettered every year.

At the age of 13, he drew the first of three coveted Highwood bull elk tags. Bagging that once-in-a-lifetime trophy bull was just the start of many hunting adventures to come. For Brock, it wasn't just about the hunt - it was about being out in nature and sharing it with others.

When it came to skiing, Brock was a natural and skied for the Showdown race team in his youth. He was admired for his talented and exuberant style. He loved skiing with his family and friends anywhere and at anytime, but he always had a special love for shredding the pow' on the mountain where he learned to ski. Brock's fashion personality extended to the ski hill where he was known for his "bright" goggles and "flashy" attire.

After high school, Brock attended Montana State University at Bozeman for one year, followed by several years working construction in that area. While living in Bozeman, he formed lasting friendships and made a positive impact on everyone he met. His roommates, Hank, Sam and Eric, became his family away from home. It was at this time that Brock truly blossomed into the amazingly eclectic individual he was.

In 2009, Brock returned home to Vaughn to begin managing the family business, Stokke Concrete Cutting. Brock admired his parents' work ethic and ability to build their company and was proud to carry on its good reputation. Brock used his people skills and vision to help establish his future with the business. Brock's future potential was unlimited, and we have lost a valuable member of our society.

Brock loved his family deeply and knew that he was loved in return. He spoke openly of his deep appreciation for the wonderful life his parents provided him. He loved nothing more than to hang out with his family and close friends, swap stories, eat his mom's good home cookin' (which he adored), play games and make memories. He was the fun Uncle Brock! Brockster never worried about the details, he just made sure that things were fun - no matter what the occasion; life was to be celebrated! Brock was so appreciative of the simple things: family holidays, Christmas tree lights, candy, funky dance moves, a sweet pair of sunglasses and shoes and the beauty of nature. His passion for crazy shoes, sunglasses and clothing drove his parents crazy and was the topic of many family jokes! The UPS drivers had a direct route to the Stokke residence, delivering Brock's weekly pair of shoes and sunglasses!

A genuine, big-hearted, free-spirited, kid-at-heart dreamer who touched so many lives, Brock was a special person who had the ability to bond with others and celebrate their successes and happiness, always with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Brock loved people and was hugely compassionate toward others, especially the disadvantaged and less fortunate. From the time he was a little boy, Brock befriended the underdog and was willing to share whatever he had.

Brock is survived by his parents, Pete and Athlene Stokke of Vaughn; and his siblings, Steve (Suzette) of Belgrade, Sara (Jesse) of Billings and Kirstin (Geoff) of Belgrade. Brock is also survived by his very special nephews and nieces, Jacob, Paige and Hanna Stokke and Kaden Gamette, all of Belgrade; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ivan (Bob) and Florence (Forward) Bishop and Sam and Mildred (Reinke) Stokke.

Dear Brock, we adore you; we love you more than you could ever know. Our son grew up to be a man we were proud of, and our little brother grew to be our best friend and buddy, who we always looked forward to seeing and spending time with. We will forever cherish our shared memories, as well as special individual moments with you. We have been blessed to have shared your adventure with you; it is impossible to express in writing all the ways that you touched our lives and hearts.

Donations in Brock's memory may be made to Eagle Mount Ski Program, PO Box 2866, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.