Funeral Notice: Florence M. Stocker
Florence M. Stocker, longtime resident of Jordan, entered eternal life at the age of 82. A visitation will be held Monday, June 24, 2019 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11AM with visitation 1-hour prior, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Florence will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Father Neil Bakker will preside, and Florence’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers.
On March 13, 1937, Florence Marie Pumper was born in New Prague to parents, Stanley and Agnes (Maxa) Pumper. She was the second youngest of the family. Throughout life, Florence was proud of her Czech heritage. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated in 1955 from the New Prague High School. Following her graduation, Florence began working as a telephone operator.
Florence’s life was enriched when she met a young man, Ralph Stocker, at the Park Ballroom. After Ralph’s discharge from the Army, the couple exchanged wedding vows October 27, 1956 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.
The newlyweds settled in Jordan and began a family. Florence was a considerate, loving mother—she truly dedicated herself to her family. When the children were older, she returned to work and for over 25 years, Florence cleaned houses. While unconventional at the time, Florence also worked as a successful welder at Minnesota Valley Engineering (Chart Industries) until her retirement. For a few additional years, Florence worked part-time at the Jordan School Kid’s Company. She treated every child like they were her own grandchildren.
Florence was always on the go! She enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and looking for the best deals at garage sales. In her free time, Florence could be found with her family & friends or spending time enjoying her cats. For over 50 years, she participated in Card Club with her long-time friends. Along with her family, Florence enjoyed fishing, camping, attending polka masses and local church festivals. A fan of classic country music, Florence and Ralph took a yearly trip to Branson, Missouri. Florence frequently volunteered at St. John’s Fall Festival and looked forward to it annually.
A skilled seamstress, Florence shared her talents with others. She quilted blankets for all her grandchildren and loved putting together special, heartfelt gifts for them. The holidays were so important to Florence. She was such a proud grandmother!
Florence was full of life, independent, upbeat, and greeted everyone with a smile. She was greatly loved and will be missed by her children, Gary Stocker, Cindy (Doug Sonnicksen) McGovern, Shari (Tom) Koenig; grandchildren, Chad Parker, Cole Stocker, Carlee Stocker, Bryan Johnson, Amy McGovern, Erin McGovern, Ashley Koenig, Andrew Koenig, Madison Koenig; great-granddaughters, Zoe Johnson, Ana Parker; sisters-in-law, Dorothy A. Pumper, Dorothy J. Pumper, Ruth Stocker; many other relatives and friends.
Florence is reunited in Heaven with her husband, Ralph; son, Mike Stocker; siblings, Jane (Ben) Kadrlik, Myles Pumper, Caroline (Lloyd) Segna, John Pumper, infant siblings Eugene and Irene; parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer (Bernice) Stocker, Theresa (Alfred) Huckenpoehler, Rosalia (Emanuel) Kes, Sr. Josephine Stocker O.F.M., Melvin (Adeline) Stocker, Marcella (Septer) Johnson, Willie Stocker and Irene (Bernie) Schambour.