Following a courageous battle with Leukemia, Rueben Bjokne, 94, of Souris, ND passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021 at his daughter's home in Pennsylvania with his children by his side.

Rueben left behind a love for the land and a legacy of hard work, integrity, love for his God, his family, and his friends. The son of pioneers, Tosten and Rosine Bjokne, Rueben was a farmer in the old school, traditional sense of the word, which means he didn't just cultivate the ground, sow the seed, and bring in the harvest. For most of his 75 years of farming life, he raised some of the best purebred Polled Hereford cattle, only in the later years crossing over to the "dark side" and enlisting the services of a Black Angus bull. Like most farmers who came of age in the 1930s, for many years he also milked the cows, plucked the chickens, husbanded herds of pigs, and made a best friend out of a sharp-as-a-tack Border Collie named Skipper. He loved spending time with good friends hunting mule deer in Grassy Butte, late night, death-defying snowmobile rides around Lake Metigoshe, and ice fishing on the Souris River. He was always proud of living in North Dakota and felt blessed with the finest neighbors and friends.

In 1957, after a whirlwind courtship, Rueben married a city girl from Boise, Idaho named Gladys Swanson. They were blessed with 39 years of marriage and three children, Joanne, Kristine, and Timothy. Or rather, the three children were blessed with two loving and wonderful parents!

As with most men of his generation, Rueben was so much more than "just a farmer." Following Glad's passing in 1996, Rueben became a Gideon, helping to distribute hundreds of Bibles to young people around North Dakota-at fairs, at colleges, at high schools-occasionally sharing the Gospel with those who took an interest. He remained an active Gideon until shortly before his death. Over the years he served on many local boards and in numerous positions at his beloved Lesje Lutheran Church. Serving as Sunday School teacher to mentor two young men from childhood towards confirmation and young adulthood was, without a doubt, one of the things he was most proud of and looked back on with great fondness.

Over the years, Rueben entertained and educated his kids with many childhood stories that were rich in Norwegian heritage. Oft requested and fondly remembered was the offering up of the Norwegian table prayer at both everyday meals and holiday feasts. He had a love for life seasoned by a quick sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter. His love of family and faith in God grew stronger every year.

Rueben was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, and dear sister Gladys Skarphol. He leaves behind three children and six grandchildren who loved him dearly and were loved in return (daughter Joanne and her husband Jim Hunt and three granddaughters Melinda, Alyssa, Kristen and families; daughter Kris and her husband Dave Tomczyk and two grandsons Lucas and James and family, and three step-grandchildren children, Molly, Christopher, and Bethany; son Tim and his wife Nicole and their son Carson) along with 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who rejoice that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And, just maybe, singing the words of one of Rueben's favorite songs from his favorite country music singer, Roy Acuff, "For I want to be one never fearing, the face of my Savior to look . . . I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him, on the wings of that great speckled bird."

We miss you, Dad, and we can't wait to see you. Say hi to Mom from us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Lesje Lutheran Church building fund or the Gideons International at the addresses listed below:

Lesje Lutheran Church                         Gideons International

Attn: Lyle Gravseth,                             Treasurer Attn: Orlan Dryer

10890 6th Ave NW                                913 Park Drive

Souris, ND 58783                                  Minot, ND 58701

Rueben's service will be live streamed on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8tpPFKc1fU&feature=youtu.be