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Don J. Stocker
June 30, 1931 – January 6, 2026
Don Stocker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather to Margo, Uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at home, with his family at his side. Known for his great sense of humor, captivating charisma, and unwavering kindness, Don touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Once you met him, you never forgot him.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa, Don was adopted and raised by his devoted mother, Gladys, a single schoolteacher and renaissance woman. They lived on a farm surrounded by open fields, sharing joyful days with his pony Marshall and loyal German shepherd Pard and his nanny goat.
After serving honorably in the Army for three years stationed in Bordeaux, France, Don pursued his passion for education at Drake University. Don and Suzanne were both dedicated and passionate educators. His dedication to inspiring others led to a distinguished 33-year career as a middle school principal, where his warmth, leadership, and sense of humor made a lasting impact on all that were lucky enough to encounter him.
He married Suzanne Wells, the love of his life. They had three children together: Don, Scott and Ann. They celebrated 64 years of marriage, until her passing in December 2021. For those who were close, they were more commonly known as, “Bunny and Stokes.”
Their life together was filled with shared passions—education, cultivating flower gardens, and enjoying several rounds of golf each week, especially during winters in Florida. Golfing in Florida brought exceptional joy, as this is where he got his first and only hole in one! This was the pinnacle of his golf career! Going out to breakfast and dinner also brought pleasure to their lives. For breakfast, their go to was Bagels and More, downtown Beloit and for a special dinner it was The Butterfly Supper Club.
Their faith was a cornerstone of their lives; they attended Mass at Our Lady of Assumption in Beloit, Wisconsin, without fail, and drew strength from their faith through life's joys and sorrows. They were the best of partners and were inseparable for 64 devoted years. He was the humor and she was the voice of calm reason and class.
A man of integrity, compassion, and humor, Don’s quick wit and magnetic personality brought joy and comfort to all around him. His favorite quote, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice,” truly reflected his gentle approach to life and his belief in kindness above all else. His loving spirit and mischievous ways will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann; favorite son-in-law, Ernie; loyal and loving sister, Janice, and brother-in-law, Max; sister-in-law, Madonna, and brother-in-law, Bob, and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Beloit, Wisconsin on January 31, 2026. Interment will be private and at a later date. A celebration of Don’s remarkable life will take place after the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Our Lady of Assumption tuition assistance fund or SECOND CITY CANINE, in memory of both Stokes and Bunny.
Go to smithcorcoran.com for updates on exact time for mass, at OLA Catholic Church, Beloit Wisconsin, located at 2222 Shopiere Rd.
OLA phone number:1-608-362-9066
Smith Corcoran Funeral home phone number: 1-847-359-8020
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Don J. Stocker
June 30, 1931 – January 6, 2026
Don Stocker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather to Margo, Uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at home, with his family at his side. Known for his great sense of humor, captivating charisma, and unwavering kindness, Don touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Once you met him, you never forgot him.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa, Don was adopted and raised by his devoted mother, Gladys, a single schoolteacher and renaissance woman. They lived on a farm surrounded by open fields, sharing joyful days with his pony Marshall and loyal German shepherd Pard and his nanny goat.
After serving honorably in the Army for three years stationed in Bordeaux, France, Don pursued his passion for education at Drake University. Don and Suzanne were both dedicated and passionate educators. His dedication to inspiring others led to a distinguished 33-year career as a middle school principal, where his warmth, leadership, and sense of humor made a lasting impact on all that were lucky enough to encounter him.
He married Suzanne Wells, the love of his life. They had three children together: Don, Scott and Ann. They celebrated 64 years of marriage, until her passing in December 2021. For those who were close, they were more commonly known as, “Bunny and Stokes.”
Their life together was filled with shared passions—education, cultivating flower gardens, and enjoying several rounds of golf each week, especially during winters in Florida. Golfing in Florida brought exceptional joy, as this is where he got his first and only hole in one! This was the pinnacle of his golf career! Going out to breakfast and dinner also brought pleasure to their lives. For breakfast, their go to was Bagels and More, downtown Beloit and for a special dinner it was The Butterfly Supper Club.
Their faith was a cornerstone of their lives; they attended Mass at Our Lady of Assumption in Beloit, Wisconsin, without fail, and drew strength from their faith through life's joys and sorrows. They were the best of partners and were inseparable for 64 devoted years. He was the humor and she was the voice of calm reason and class.
A man of integrity, compassion, and humor, Don’s quick wit and magnetic personality brought joy and comfort to all around him. His favorite quote, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice,” truly reflected his gentle approach to life and his belief in kindness above all else. His loving spirit and mischievous ways will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann; favorite son-in-law, Ernie; loyal and loving sister, Janice, and brother-in-law, Max; sister-in-law, Madonna, and brother-in-law, Bob, and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Beloit, Wisconsin on January 31, 2026. Interment will be private and at a later date. A celebration of Don’s remarkable life will take place after the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Our Lady of Assumption tuition assistance fund or SECOND CITY CANINE, in memory of both Stokes and Bunny.
Go to smithcorcoran.com for updates on exact time for mass, at OLA Catholic Church, Beloit Wisconsin, located at 2222 Shopiere Rd.
OLA phone number:1-608-362-9066
Smith Corcoran Funeral home phone number: 1-847-359-8020
.
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