Dorothy J. Stocker

Dorothy J. Stocker, 98, of Rochester, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Saint Marys Hospital.

Dorothy was born Aug. 10, 1916, in Avon, S.D., to Henry and Rebecca Walkes. She was a graduate of the Kahler School of Nursing. On June 6, 1944, Dorothy married Willard Gordon Stocker. Dorothy was very active with missions and corresponding with missionaries and with prayer. She was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she was also the organist for numerous years.

She enjoyed gardening, both flowers and vegetables, was an avid seamstress, crocheting and was an ice cream connoisseur. Dorothy loved reading, especially the Holy Bible and her devotionals. Willard, an evangelist, and Dorothy with their two children traveled throughout the United States, spreading God's Word and singing as a family quartet.

Dorothy is survived by her son and her daughter-in-law, Gordon Willard and Shirley Stocker of North Ridgeville, Ohio; daughter, Rebecca Ann Stocker of Queenborough, Kent, Great Britain; granddaughter and her husband, Lisa Monette and Don Lee Prevost of Prosperity, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Carley Jill, Victoria Dawn and Donny Lee Jr.; brother, Don (Helen) Walkes of Mankato; sister, Donna (David) Matthews of Arizona; sisters-in-law, Fran Walkes of Plainview and Verlane Walkes of Rochester; good friends, Jim and Sondra Rice and Pastor Pat and Penny Thomas.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Gordon; brothers, Ray, Reuben, Roland, and by her parents, Henry and Rebecca.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Church of the Nazarene, 3343 East Circle Dr. NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Pastor Pat Thomas and Pastor Sarasarith Chhum will be officiating and inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nazarene Well House, 47 13 ½ St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

To share a special memory or condolence, visit ranfranzandvinefh.com.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600.