Wesley W. Poykko

Wesely Poykko, 82, Gackle, ND died Friday evening December 2, 2005 in St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND.

Wes was born September 17, 1923 in Logan County, ND, the son of Charlie Poykko and Leena (Karjalainen) Poykko. He received his elementary education in the rural schools near Gackle and graduated from the Gackle High School in 1941. He was employed by the US government at the Bremerton Naval Yards as an electrician from 1941to 1945. He entered the US Army on April 5, 1945 at Fort Lewis, WA. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and Japan and was discharged in November 28, 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He attended the State School of Science at Wahpeton, ND graduating in electrical trades in 1947. His first Job was as a meter repairman for MDU Power in Bismarck, ND. He received his master electrician's license in 1949 and began commercial and residential electrical installations in Gackle and the surrounding area.

He and Joyce Nordahl were married July 20, 1952 at Hastings, ND
In 1956 they moved to Winston, OR and returned to Gackle in 1961 when Wes became the owner of Mallard Lanes until his retirement in 1988. He also operated Gackle Electric from 1961-1992.

He is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gackle, ND, ND Electrical Contractors Assn; Bowling proprietors Assn; Gackle Lions; Gackle Country Club; Gackle Fire Dept; Gackle Wildlife Club; Mayer-Morlock American Legion. He was also the district chairman of the American Legion Baseball ND District 8, church councilman. Wes was very active with Gackle baseball teams and enjoyed bowling, winning the ND singles Championship in 1966 and the American Legion Bowling in 1972.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce, Gackle, ND one daughter Julie Post, Lincoln, NE, Brian (Sue) Poykko, Grand Forks, ND, two grandchildren, Eric and Carl, both at Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 3 sisters.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday December 7, 2005 in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gackle, ND with Rev. Russ Pollock, pastor officiating.
Visitation- 9-9 Monday 9-5 Tuesday at the Funeral Home
Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Church in Gackle