Gerald Stocker
October 01, 2008
Gerald Stocker, 59, passed away from injuries sustained in a tragic motorcycle accident on October 1, 2008. A private memorial will be held.
Gerald was born on December 10, 1948. He graduated from Truman College and earned his Master’s Degree at Drake University. He was a dedicated employee of Iowa Workforce Development, where he worked for 35 years.
Gerald was a devoted husband to his wife of 17 years, Karma. He is survived by his daughter, Anneliese (Clint) Janssen; three grandchildren, Mollie, Bianca, Emma; a step-daughter, Michele (John) Mehalovich; a brother, Bud Stocker; sisters, Joyce (Gordon) Larsen and Judy (Jim) Dunning; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Edna Stocker.
Gerald died doing what he really enjoyed, riding his Harley motorcycle.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Fred Paxson
03/21/2014
Gerald was my supervisor for many years and I enjoyed working for him. I just now found out about his passing and wanted to say what a good boss and human being he was and that he will be missed.
"In the wind" Gerald.
Del Denekas
10/06/2008
Karma,
I can't begin to tell you how shocked I was to hear of your of your loss. Gerald was truly one of the finest people I met in my years with I.W.D.. I worked with Gerald during my entire time and always would seek his advice or knowledge whenever I could. At our meetings I would always make sure I would take time to visit with Gerald so I could get the true and honest answers to whatever crisis was currently going on in the agency. When I retired, Gerald came to my party and I can't tell you how much that meant to me.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this sad, sad time. It was an honor for me to know Gerald. God bless
Joy Hol
10/06/2008
Gerald was one of the best mangers I ever had the honor to work for. He was highly intelligent and knew what needed to be done. I know he loved his cycling and even ran in to him in one of the parks the year I went to Sturgis. I will greatly miss him and his sense of humor.
Gina Scione
10/03/2008
Karma,
My prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time. I know there are no words to ease your pain so please just know you're in my prayers and if there's anything at all you may need, I'm here for you. With love,,,,
Gina
Reyna and Craig mmerfall
10/03/2008
The first time I met Gerald, I watched my ps and qs. He was a little intimidating but that lasted all of a week! He was a great guy, always cracking a joke, humor with sarcasm, and as an employee, supported his staff. Gerald will definitely be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family Karma.
phouvaly chounlamountry
10/03/2008
I will missing you, Your nice person . I'm glad that I new you. Sincerely.
Phouvaly Chounlamountry.
Laurie Whitmore
10/03/2008
I had the pleasure of knowing Gerald as he and Marilyn Rowe hired me. He truly loved and was passionate about the things he cared about. He always had a great story to tell about his motorcycle and some of his rides he went on. He could always make you Laugh. Gerald also helped me out once, I will never forget him for that. He will truly be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Karma.
Laurie Whitmore
Dora Siems
10/03/2008
The Mister, as I affectionately called him. He hired me back in April of 1994. Any time I needed advice, help or just vent, he was my man. Never gave me wrong advice and was always a straight shooter. Never sugar coated anything and always treated me with respect and as an adult. I miss his laugh and the times he would sit with me and ask how I was doing. And meant it. His shoes will never be filled, as he was one of a kind! Karma, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya
Jane Repp
10/03/2008
I worked with Gerald in The Job Service office in Newton from 1980 until he left to go to the Des Moines office. He was a great person to work with and for. He gained the respect of his employees, clients, business community and the Veterans served by our office. Under his leadership in the early 1980's the Newton office won awards for service to the Veteran population. He established a good working relationship with the local UAW, which had never happened before. I often heard community leaders praise those very efforts. I always told him his skills were beyond a small office and that it was only a matter of time and Des Moines would claim him. He went to a meeting in Des Moines one day and when he came back he said to me, "you were right". I said," when do you leave Newton". Gerald was a manager that we could count on to help out during a busy time. He always took a common sense approach and sometimes that is rare in government. My very best to his family. May God ease your pain during these difficult days. A friend, Jane Repp in Newton.
DENNIS & DAWN LARSON
10/02/2008
Karma and family;
My husband Dennis worked with Gerald and truly enjoyed that time. They had the common bond of motorcycling, but Gerald was also an easy guy to like! Gerald always treated Dennis with integrity. Gerald will be missed by so many people. The loss of Gerald has greatly affected you and your family but also the extended family at IWD and I know US Dept of Labor. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. In this time of difficulty, may you cherish and remember all of those wonderful times with Gerald! He was a Great person!
Pam Ostrem
10/02/2008
Karma,
Everyone was devasted to hear the news about Gerald. I'm glad that he had alittle time, at least, to enjoy his retirement. I remember when you first took interest in Gerald ( we at IWD all go back a long ways, don't we) I just wanted you to know you're in my thoughts and prayers and you have many friends who are concerned about you.
John Williams
10/02/2008
I had the pleasure to work with Gerald for many years. He was a terrific person and I will truly miss him. I am very sorry for your loss.