Vernon Stoecker Obituary

Vernon Leland Stoecker

Visitation services for Vernon Leland Stoecker, 88, of Lawrence, KS will be held at 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. He died on July 19, 2014 at Pioneer Ridge. He had lived in Lawrence since 2009.

Funeral services will be held at the Oakley United Methodist Church at 1pm on Thursday, July 24, 2014, with burial to follow at the Oakley city Cemetery.

Vernon was born just south of Oakley, KS on April 12, 1926, the third son of Carl and Bertha Wassemiller Stoecker. Older brothers Arnold and Floyd (Jack) and younger sister Velma, all preceded him in death. Early years were a mix of farm chores and sports. He would say the Stoecker's could field their own baseball team and often did. The one room school house just across the road was a normal fixture in rural America, often the teacher living in their home.

During his early years (1930's), the financial depression and dust bowl era, along with very successful parents, shaped strong values and a conservative approach to life and business. Respectful and always kind to others, he was a model to children, grandchildren and the community.

He began farming as a very young man, first at his Home place in "Stoeckerville" and later acquiring and moving to Margie's parent's farm south of Oakley. He lived, farming wheat and raising cattle, in Logan County his entire life. His life spanned the use of thrashing machines to modern day farm equipment. When the work was done he enjoyed a round of golf. Wheat harvest and family members visiting Oakley were wonderful times for him.

Vernon was a longtime member of the Oakley United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. He was also an active volunteer for local and agricultural groups.

He was married to Margie Catherine Boston on January 29, 1946 in Oakley, KS.

She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Sharon (Dennis) Spratt, of Lawrence, KS; a son, Randall(Gwen) Stoecker, of Raleigh, NC, six grandchildren; Tanya Renee Heller, Stephanie Michelle Schmidt, Christopher Jason Stoecker, Tiffany Renee Mountz, Lindsay S. Henson, and Kristin Marie Unruh, and 20 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Cottonwood, Inc., of Lawrence or to the Oakley United Methodist Church in his name.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com

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