Stanley Votava

Stanley Votava, age 91 of Grafton, ND, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023 at First Care Hospital in Park River, ND. He had been a resident at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Park River since February.

Stanley R. Votava was born May 26, 1932 in Grafton, ND. He is the son of the late Frank K. and Anna (Matejcek) Votava.  He grew up on the family farm near Veseleyville, ND and attended school in Grafton Township. He was inducted into the United States Army on February 4, 1953 serving until he was honorably discharged on December 16, 1954.  Stanley was united in marriage to Mary Jo Bina on June 17, 1958 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Veseleyville, ND.  They lived on the family farm near Veseleyville and had three sons. After his wife died, Stanley moved with his sons to Grafton, ND in the fall of 1970. Stanley worked at Gambles Hardware, Grafton Appliance and farmed for thirty-eight years before retiring in 1997.

Stanley was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton, the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #9367.  He enjoyed dancing on the weekends, being around his family and rooting for his favorite baseball team, the Twins.

Stanley is survived by his three sons:  Wayne Votava, Grafton, ND; Dean Votava, Costa Mesa, CA;  Kevin (Sara) Votava, Portland, OR; and grandchildren:  Laura (Noah) Votava and Mary Votava. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Jo on September 15, 1970, brothers Frank and Marcellin Votava and sister Dorothy Shereck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Veseleyville, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery, Veseleyville, ND.  Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 110, Park River, ND 58270.