Frank Stocker

Franklin Ray Stocker (aka Frank, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa) passed away on October 11, 2023 at the age of 88, after several weeks of declining health.  He is now ‘home’ in the arms of God. 

It’s difficult in a few short paragraphs to share the enormous impact Frank had on the lives of his family, his friends, and strangers he met along the way.

Frank married Lanna Jean Kincade on December 19th, 1954 and they made a wonderful life together for the next 48 years, until Jean’s tragic passing in 2003.  Together they raised five children and became grandparents to 19 grandkids, and in the years after Jean’s passing, Frank added seven great grandkids to the tally, with an eighth due in December.  He was very loved by all of his children and grandchildren, but in true Stocker competitiveness, kids and grandkids alike frequently teased each other about who his ‘favorite’ was.  His reply… “Each one of you has characteristics that makes you unique, and I love you all the same.”  (Don’t doubt for a minute that each one of us isn’t saying “I know it was me!” to ourselves as we read this!)

After losing his beloved wife, Jean, Frank met Margaret Gibbens and the two eventually went to Las Vegas to become husband and wife. Soon after, the family celebrated their union, welcomed Margaret into our family, and watched our dad beam with his new bride by his side. Margaret stayed by dad’s side for the next 17 years, caring for him faithfully to the end. 

Frank was a very active member in the Gibson City community, volunteering his time and his skills often throughout the years.  He was a major organizer for the Gibson City Bicentennial celebration, built the Santa House that sat in downtown Gibson City every Christmas season, was in the Lion’s Club (winning Lion of the Year in 1997), was on the school board, volunteered at Gibson City Area Hospital, and was active in the American Lutheran Church. He also frequently opened his home to others and hosted several foreign exchange students over the years.

Frank worked as a truck driver, a millwright, a welder, and in his 50s, he opened his own small business, Load Redi.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children Gary (Connie), Randy (Char), Scott (Stephanie), Janet, and Jill; his brother Clyde (Mary Lou) and his sister Mary Lou; his grandchildren Kristen , David, Matt (Sierra), Melissa, Zachary, Jordan, Tessa (Zachary), Nicole, Kyle, Taylor (Samantha), Carrie, Bethany (Brian), John, Nathan Rey, Kyle (Joy), Megan (Christopher) and Ryan; great grandchildren Alayna, Caleb, Ármella, Lucas, Milo, Leo, and Adalynn as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean, and two granddaughters, Jenelle and Amy.

The funeral will be held at the American Lutheran Church in Gibson City on Wednesday, Oct. 18th (visitation 10-12 and service at noon).  A luncheon will immediately follow the service.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lutheran Church or the Gibson City Area Hospital Association.