Steve Nokelby

Steven Boyd Nokelby, age 63, passed away on September 15, 2025, while hunting in rural Alaska, due to complications from diabetes.

Steve was born on October 24, 1961, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Bernice and Rodney Nokelby. He grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota and spent his time growing up fishing, playing hockey and football, spending time at his family cabin at Grace Lake, MN, and living life to the fullest with his cousins and friends.

In 1983 he met the love of his life, Jolene Nikle. In 1986, they moved to Anchorage, AK and quickly embraced the Alaskan lifestyle. Steve started working as a furniture installer at Barrett's Office Supply, and that same year fell into his dream jobs, and what he moved to Alaska for, the opportunity to work as both a commercial fisherman and hunting guide. In 1989, Steve and Jolene were married back in Grand Forks, ND.

Over the years, Steve established his own furniture installation company, retiring earlier this year (2025). He found joy in the outdoors, whether spending time at his cabin on Lake Louise, fishing at Whiskey Gulch, or hunting with his friends and son, Lucas. Steve also enjoyed playing hockey and watching his children play competitively growing up. Steve loved sharing these moments with family and friends, and he especially cherished time spent with his grandson, Preston, who brought him immense pride and happiness.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jolene; his children, Tara (Garrett), and Lucas (Michayla); his grandson, Preston; his siblings, Randy, Ron, Marc (Kynda), and Dianne. He is remembered fondly by extended family, friends, and all who shared in his love for fishing and hunting. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bernice and Rodney Nokelby.

Steve will be remembered for his deep love for his family, and the pride he took in being a husband, father, brother, and grandpa. He will also be remembered for his bright and loud personality, his dance moves on the dance floor, and his sense of humor. Steve loved to make a room laugh with the stories from his wonderful life. We will all miss those stories, and he never could "make a long story short" as much as he said it.

A celebration of life will be hosted at 49th State Brewery on September 28, 2025 from 4pm- 8pm. There will also be a celebration in East Grand Forks at a later date.

In leu of flowers, we ask you make a donation in his name to St.Jude's Hospital (a cause he felt very deeply about) or the American Diabetes Association.