Thomas J. Stoecklein

Thomas J. Stoecklein, 89, of Ness City, Kansas, passed away on September 5, 2025, at Comfort Care Homes in Wichita, Kansas. Tom was born on March 21, 1936, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph and Clara (Werth) Stoecklein.

Tom attended Ness City High School and Hutchinson Juco College. After college he enlisted into the United States Army for two years. After his stint in the Army, he returned to Ness City where he met and married the love of his life, Virginia (Gin) Hilmes, on June 9, 1958.

A lifetime resident of Ness City, Tom was employed by KDOT, Siebert Sand Co., Western Power Electric Co., and APAC Shears. He enjoyed carpentry and was an all-purpose handyman that could fix anything, spending countless hours tinkering with projects in his work shed. He was an avid outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed taking his children fishing and pheasant hunting. He also loved attending the numerous sporting events his children and grandchildren were involved in.

Tom is survived by his four sons, Ron (Karen) Stoecklein of Ness City, Steve (Lisa) Stoecklein of Lenexa, Craig (Brenda) Stoecklein of Hays and Eric (Talena) Stoecklein of Wichita; two daughters, Jill (Rick) Bahr of Wichita and Jennifer Stoecklein of Ness City; his brother, Earl Stoecklein of Ness City; a sister-in-law, Donna Hilmes-Hurn of Topeka; eleven grandchildren, Brett, Jared, Tyler, Quinton, Parker, Macie, Ryan, Courtney, Mackenzie, Aubrie and Khloe; and four great-grandchildren, Easton, Sutton, Slade and Layne.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gin Stoecklein, on April 24, 2006; five sisters, Lois Pfannenstiel, Lorene Roy, Geneva Wendler, Sr. Thomasine Stoecklein and Sr. Joyce Stoecklein; a brother, Lester Stoecklein; and grandson Blake Stoecklein.

Friends and family may sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Ness City, Kansas is planned for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. followed by inurnment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. A Rosary will precede the memorial service at 10:15 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School or Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund.

Memories and words of comfort may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook.