June 23, 1937 - January 23, 2021

Velda Deane Stokke, Ed.D, 83, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, on Jan. 23, 2021 in the loving care of Hospice of the Valley. She was born June 23, 1937 in Lincoln, NE to Olaf Martin and Bereniece (Eitel) Stokke.

Velda devoted more than 40 years to public education, sharing her passion for music with Nebraska students in the Columbus Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools and Westside Schools. In 1971, she earned her doctorate in education from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and became known as Dr. Stokke to her many students. During her years in Nebraska, she was a member of the Opera Omaha ensemble, participated in Ralston Community Theater and was an integral leader in the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Her battle with breast cancer also inspired one of the first awareness bracelets designed by the mother of a former student. Velda was passionate about Broadway musicals, the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Arizona Diamondbacks. . .and chocolate! But above all, she was unequivocally devoted to her family.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, DeEtte Person (Larry) of Scottsdale, AZ; and three granddaugthers, Anna, Rebecca and Mia; brother and sister-in-law, Olaf Martin "Marty" (Vicki) Stokke of Ponca City, OK; nieces, Julianne Stokke Boren (daughter Evalynn) of Minot, ND; and Karen Stokke of Ayer, MA.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE will be held at New Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ, via Facebook Live – www.facebook.com/NewCovenantAZ (no need to be a Facebook member), at 11am (MT), Saturday, March 13. In celebration of Velda's love for God, music and education, a memorial fund has been established at New Covenant Lutheran Church for continued growth in the music and dance ministries. Donations can be made to New Covenant Lutheran Church – Music Ministries, 15152 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or online at newcovenantaz.church.