Johann Stocker

Johann Stocker, age 94, of Chicago Heights, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, after a long and adventurous life.  Born on August 18, 1930, in Wiesentheid, Germany, the son of George and Barbara (nee Wolf) Stocker.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Millicent (nee Niep), daughter Katherine (Michels), son John (Sandi), son Michael (Angela), grandson Timothy (Kimberly),  grandson Luke, granddaughter Victoria, great granddaughter Makayla, and many cherished nieces and nephews in Germany.

Johann lived a unique life in many ways, surviving growing up as a child in 1930's - 40's Germany.  He became a West German Border Guard opposing Russian and communist East Germany forces, and then trained as a skilled tool and die master in Germany.

He emigrated to Canada in 1953 and worked a series of jobs there, including as a lumberjack in the "bush" in Alberta, various jobs in a gold mine a mile under a lake in Manitoba, as an oil and heating technician, and as a plumber.

He was hired by Ford in 1957 at a new stamping plant in Chicago Heights, for which he received a personal letter from President Dwight Eisenhower to enter the USA. He retired from Ford in 1995 after receiving several cars and many awards for his expertise in tool and die work.

Johann loved his family and dogs, and was an expert skier from his youth in Germany, and became an avid golfer.  All of which skills he taught to his children and grandchildren to varying degrees of success.

Johann was a long time parishioner of St. Kieran Catholic Church, and the family will hold a funeral mass there (724 195th St., Chicago Heights, Il 60411) on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 11 AM, with visitation starting at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for Johann and his family, and your loved ones as well, in honor of his life.