NAN VAALER

Nan (Stokesberry) Vaaler, 88, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Valley Memorial Home surrounded by her family.

Nan was born on July 22, 1933, the only child of William Potter and Theodora (Straight) Stokesberry in Walker, Minnesota. After high school, Nan attended the University of North Dakota where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. While attending UND, she met the love of her life, David Allen Vaaler. They married on August 29, 1953, in Walker, Minnesota. Nan and Dave made their home in Grand Forks, ND, where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Nan and Dave loved to travel. When their kids were small, they loaded everyone into the station wagon, with the pop-up camper trailing behind. Nan spent many hours planning all the family vacations and making sure everything was packed for weeks on the road with 5 kids. She always had the hardest tasks on the trips – bathing and dressing four girls in the campground showers, while Dave had it easy with one son.

When the kids got older, they decided to put down roots and they purchased a lake home on Pike Bay in Cass Lake, Minnesota. They later moved to Lake Bemidji. Nan and Dave loved traveling to different parts of the world, often bringing their children. As the family grew, they included the spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Nan enjoyed reading, puzzles, needlepoint and playing bridge. She was a charter member, and past President, of the AY Chapter of PEO International, a women's philanthropic organization. She loved spending time with her family, friends and her dogs. Nan and Dave also loved spending their winters at their home in Maui, Hawaii.

Nan is survived by 5 children: Julie Vaaler-Cinelli, Bruce (Renee) Vaaler, Jill (Ken) Jore, Carrie (John Fulp) LaDue and Nancy (Steve) Johnson. 12 Grandchildren: David (Elise) Vaaler, Jennifer (Zac) Marben, Matthew Jore, Andrew (Joyce Valdesco) Vaaler, Christina (Tom) Haug, Paul LaDue, Ellie Johnson, Jennie Cinelli, Luke Johnson, Callie Jore, Katie LaDue and Max Johnson. 8 Great Grandchildren: Hallie, Avery and Emma Haug; Freya and Bruce Vaaler; Radley and Romee Marben, and Solenn Valdesco-Vaaler.

Nan was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a great grandson, Tucker Thomas Haug.

A private memorial will be held.

All are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 21, at the Grand Forks Country Club.