Henry F. Stocker, age 90, of Miles City, MT. passed away August 24, 2014 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Center in Miles City. Henry requested that no services be held, that he be cremated and his ashes placed with his late wife Roberta in Lost Creek Canyon outside Anaconda, MT.
Henry Francis Stocker, Hank to all who knew him was born November 24, 1923, in Ronan, MT. to Henry W. and Parmelia ‘Stowell’ Stoeckler (how he spelt the name). Henry grew up in the Garfield County area and completed his elementary education at the Edwards County School. His education was cut short when his father died in 1935 and he had to work and help support his mother and siblings. As a lad growing up in that area, Henry said “he had rode horseback from Edwards all the way up to the junction of highway 200 and 89.” “That their home was not of wood but of dirt with dirt floors. That the home was cut into a bank with no windows; just an entrance.” “For light, Henry said they used oil lamps. Life was harsh, but they survived.” When Henry was 21, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS San Francisco CA 38 in the South Pacific as fireman first class. Henry was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to the Jordan area where he found work on local ranches.
While working in the Jordan area, he met and married Betty Jean Spracklin on June 3, 1948 in Miles City. The couple continued to work in the Jordan area till 1960, when they divorced. To this union four children were born, Vicki, Odella, Gloria and Michael. Henry then went to Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada for the next four years. Returning to the United States, Henry spent the next 10 years working on various ranches in Idaho. Looking for better wages, Henry once again found himself back in Montana. His first job was over by Condon, MT. where he built a large silo that was still standing in 2002. A feat Henry took great pride in. By the late 1970’s Henry found work over by Ingamar, MT. with Swede Schlesinger. It was while working for Swede that Henry met and married Roberta ‘Carson’ Sargent on November 12, 1982 and gained three more children; Ted, Bill and Lou. For the next 20 years, Henry and Roberta resided on the Little Big Dry Creek where Henry worked for both Kreiders and Milam’s till he retired in 1999. Henry and Roberta then moved to Anaconda where they resided till her death in 2003, and then Henry moved back to Miles City. He resided at the Red Rock Village Apartments till 2010 when he moved to Mildred, MT. to be back with his daughter Vicki. In 2012, Henry moved to the Holy Rosary Extended Care Center till his death.
Henry Loved the country life and being around sheep. He also loved the companionship of his two poodles, Cuddles and Inky. When Henry took time to relax, it was either watching a good western or reading one. However, Henry’s favorite activity to do for relaxation was playing cards. He also liked to tell a joke or two that he had just heard. Henry always enjoyed company, whether it was a neighbor, friend or family. You were always welcome to come in for coffee, tea or a beer. Henry was a very caring and gentle man who would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, we may have to tell you goodbye now, but your time spent with us are in memories burned forever in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. God bless and my peace be with you.
Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta, his ex-wife Betty, his parents; Henry and Parmelia; his half brothers, Ralph Stocker, Benjamin and Doyt Butler; his half-sisters, Mildred Thompson, Martha Pedersen and Bernice Butler; his brothers William and Lloyd Stocker; his sister, Matilda Leach; his grandson, Robert Spinler; and granddaughter Shannon Bailey.
Henry is survived by his 7 children, Vicki (Pat) Breen of Mildred MT., Odella (Dennis) Freed of Forsyth MT., Gloria (Eugene) Spinler of Lincoln, MT., Michael (Debbie) Stocker of Salmon ID., T.W. Williams of Oregon, Bill Williams of Arizona, Lou (Robyn) Young of Whitehall, MT., 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews, and friends and 1 sister, Vanna McDonald of Kuna, ID.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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audrey haumschild and Greg Blind says
sending hugs and prays to Henry’s family ; I’m going to miss you and our morning visits while I made the beds and when he just started to talk about things when his room mate would ask a ? was nice to know you Henry god got another angle .
Gloria Spinler says
Why wasn’t Henry’s photo in your Web site’s obit?
Gloria Spinler
Carol moore says
So sorry to learn of Hanks passing. I remember Hank at several Ferguson gatherings. My prayers are with ODell, Sheri, Bobbie, and Jennifer.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Vicki, Pat and Family, So sorry to hear of Hanks passing, we will forever remember the good times at Mildred, playing cards, working and just having fun. Our thought s and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Chris and Diana
Cathy and Gary Kalmback says
Vicki, Pat & family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Murnion Graham says
Sorry to hear of Hank passing. He was a neighbor to us for years when we were at the ranch. I would do chores for him and Bobbi if they ever had to be gone overnight. My prayers to all the families.
Ralph & Bernadette Prosser says
We are very saddened to hear of Hank’s passing. We had the pleasure of getting to know him at the summer gatherings of his daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Eugene Spinler. He was struggling with health problems, but always had time for a game of cards. We hope his family will find some comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. We know that he will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to all of his dear family and friends.
Ralph & Bernadette Prosser
Melissa Breen says
I will miss you, Grandpa and I am sorry I didn’t get to visit more often than I did. Hope you get to play a game of Cribbage with Grandma Bobbi and say hi to Grandma Betty for me! Give them both hugs. Every time I smell cherry tobacco I think of you. Every single time. Love you so much.
Love,
Your Granddaughter, Melissa
There was no time to say goodbye
But this I ask – please do not cry
Remember me as you think best
The happy time – forget the rest.
Look for me and I’ll be there
And you will find me everywhere
In the gentle touch of breeze
That cools the skin or swirls the leaves.
In the scent and colour of flowers
That gave to me such happy hours
On sunny days under sunny skies of blue
Just think of me, I’ll be with you.
In winter when there’s cloud or mist
The rain will give to you my kiss
As wood smoke lingers in the air
Look for me and I’ll be there.
Where seagulls cry above the sea
And surf rolls in so endlessly
Among towering trees that soar above
In all these things that i once loved
Look for me and I’ll be there
You’ll feel my presence everywhere.