Paul Ernest Stocker

Paul Ernest Stocker, age, 87 of Albia, died Monday, August 26, 2013, at Monroe Care Center in Albia. Paul was born March 10, 1926 to Clarence Moses and Mildred (Grooms) Stocker on the family farm southeast of Albia. He graduated from Albia High School in 1943. Paul married Betty Rose Caudill on December 8, 1946. To this union, five children were born, Cathie, Michael, Rebecca, Mark, and Lesa. Paul drove a truck for Russell Hindman and then became a welder for John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 1979 after 30 years. He also farmed all of his life. Paul was very active in the First Christian Church where he was a member and board chair. He was also a 50 year Master Mason, charter member of the FFA, chairman of the Monroe County Democrats, Selection Cemetery sexton, Monroe Township Trustee, and was in the Monroe County Ag Hall of Fame. Paul is survived by five children, Dr. Cathie T. Siders and Dr. Carol Aschenbrener of Washington, D.C., Michael P. (Ann) Stocker of Albia, Rebecca L. (David) Hetrick of Garden City, KS, Mark A. (Janice) Stocker of Des Moines, Lesa A. (Scott) Kaldenberg of Eden Prairie, MN. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Aaron (Kim) Siders of Atlanta, GA, Matt (Kathy) Stocker of Albia, Alex (Mallory) Stocker of Albia, Tyler and Sarah Stocker of Des Moines; seven great grandchildren, Case, Cali, Cole, William, Charity, Maria, and Kathleen; a brother, Dr. Dean Stocker and a sister, Marjorie Spain both of Albia; four sisters-in-law, Elvina Stocker of Davenport, Ethel (Joe) Lahart of Georgetown; Alberta Friday and Catherine Caudill both of Albia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Betty; his parents; and three brothers, C.J., Floyd, and Darrell Stocker. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at First Christian Church in Albia, with Rev. Lynda Carlson officiating. Burial will be in Selection Cemetery in Monroe County. Visitation will begin at noon, Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Paul's family present throughout the day and evening. Masonic Rites will be 6 p.m. Tuesday evening, held by Astor Lodge 505 of Albia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Christian Church, Monroe Care Center, or Masonic Lodge 505 of Albia.

Paul Ernest Stocker

March 10, 1926 - August 26, 2013