Robert Bertram Stokke

August 16, 1946 – February 26, 2023

Bob lived his life with vigor and full enjoyment. His contagious laughter and infectious smile drew friends and strangers alike into an engaging conversation, regardless of the topic. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, waiting for the next time to tickle or play with the grandkids – a game, cars, even dolls. He found a way to connect. Bob shared his life and life’s enjoyment with his wife, Marci, for 44 years.

Born in Vancouver, Washington to Bert and Amy Stokke, he grew up in the small town of Ridgefield, WA. After graduating and a short time working in the flooring industry, he joined the US Marine Corps and spent 4 years, including a tour of Vietnam. After he left the service, he attended Clark College in Vancouver and trained to be a land surveyor, earning his Professional Land Surveyor designation. In 1978 he joined an engineering and surveying firm in Bellevue, Washington. Shortly thereafter, he met Marci and they began their life together in Redmond, WA. Throughout his working career he worked in the land development and construction industry, managing many large projects in the Pacific Northwest and making many long-term friends.

Bob retired in 2008, to enjoy a stressless life when he could fish, hunt and enjoy the retirement home in Eastern Washington that was built in 1990 as a spot where he and Marci could easily and within minutes enjoy golf, fishing and outdoor activities. In 2016 they moved permanently to this home in Warden, Washington, golfing, fishing and gardening took up most of their time. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation became the “job” during that time and many friendships were made as well as opportunities to share the goals and interests of conservation of habitat for wildlife. Bob participated in many roles with wildlife agencies as a committed and dedicated volunteer and enjoyed them all.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marci, son Mark VanBlankenstein of Tulare CA, daughter-in-law Kristie and grandchildren Victoria and Mark VanBlankenstein, both young children that were the loves of his life. He was predeceased by his Mother Amy, Father Bert and Brother Doug. Bob was a proud Norwegian Stokke, his grandparents migrated in late 1800’s, and he was very close to the Stokke cousins Vern, Wes, John, Gene, and Ed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer, time and location to be determined. In place of flowers, those who wish to remember Bob are encouraged to make donations in his name to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research https://www.fredhutch.org/en/html; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation https://www.rmef.org/; or Veterans Fund at usvets.org/the-veterans-fund/. Cards or contact with Marci can be made to 10976 Handicap Dr. SE, Warden WA 98857 or email [email protected].

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CedarLawns-Washington.com for the Stokke family.