John Theodore Lokemoen, 89, of Jamestown, North Dakota, passed away on October 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and dedication to the natural world.

John will never return to his stately recliner in the living room of the home and life he created in Jamestown, North Dakota. From this chair, he read of many adventures, solved countless crossword puzzles, and occasionally lowered the corner of his newspaper to watch his grandchildren wrestle with the beloved brown bear footstool that found its way throughout the house. He especially delighted in the wild, enthusiastic hugs of his great-grandchildren, which he believed should be repeated several times for everyone’s fullest enjoyment.

John knew he had lived a wonderful life and believed wholeheartedly that God had blessed him beyond what he deserved. The Lord was his shepherd, and his faith was a quiet but steadfast foundation throughout his entire life.

A dedicated wildlife research biologist, John devoted his professional career to studying North Dakota’s birds and the wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region, a landscape he deeply loved. His research at the Northern Prairie Science Center contributed to the understanding and conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats. He retired on March 31, 1995, leaving a lasting legacy in wildlife science.

John was a charter member of the North Dakota Natural Science Society, a member of the Ducks Unlimited and the Stutsman County Wildlife Club. John was also active in the Lions Club, Elks Club, and Eagles Club. This spring John was honored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service with a waterfowl production area named in his honor 50 miles northeast of Devils Lake, North Dakota.

On November 28, 1961, John married Luella Faye Brillhart in Missoula, Montana. Together they built a loving home and shared nearly 65 years of marriage, creating a lifetime of cherished family memories.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Luella; his son, Matthew John Lokemoen (JoDeane Lokemoen); his daughter, Anne Marie Gebhardt (Kenneth Gebhardt); and his son, Daniel James Lokemoen; his grandchildren, Nathaniel Gebhardt, Ross and Stefani Lokemoen, Erica(Lokemoen) and Andrew Pfankuch, Samantha(Lokemoen)and Weston Buck, and Elizabeth Gebhardt; and eight great-grandchildren, sister’s-in-law Shirlee Brillhart and Thelma Cole, 1 favorite niece, and 8 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Lucille (Fermanich) Lokemoen, and his sisters, Mary Lou Haines(Lokemoen), Phillip Haines, and Kristen Ann Lokemoen, Brother’s-in law Charles and Wayne Brillhart, Cori Vink, Jerry Cole, and Sister’s-in law Rita Brillhart and Maxine Vink.

A Catholic funeral service will be held at St. James Basilica in Jamestown, North Dakota where John has been a member since 1965, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Father Wilhelm officiating. Burial at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Merrill, WI will take place at a later date.

John lived with a grateful heart, finding joy in life’s simple blessings and trusting always in God’s grace. The Lord was his shepherd, guiding him through the beauty and wonder of this earthly life. Now his journey continues beyond the prairies he loved, into the peace and glory of everlasting life. Though his earthly chair is empty, his place in the hearts of those who loved him will remain forever, until the day they meet again.