Leroy John Stockemer, 89, of Garden Plain, died October 31, 2024, at his residence. He was born July 31, 1935, near Colwich, to Aloysius J. and Bernetta F. (Orth) Stockemer.
Leroy graduated from Andale High School. Electronics were his passion and Leroy could repair anything electronic. He owned Leroy’s Electronics for a few years before going to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as an electronics technician. Leroy’s career with the FAA spanned 40+ years, quickly rising to supervisory and management status. Throughout his career Leroy received numerous letters of recognition, commendations, and service awards. In 1982, he received national recognition as the FAA’s Suggester of the Year for improvements to its radar systems that were responsible for saving many lives. Leroy enjoyed owning and flying his own single engine airplane. Leroy served in the Kansas Army National Guard from 1953-1962, was past president of Hutchinson Airport Board, and a member of Church of the Holy Cross.
On June 2, 1956, he married Mary A. Rau, in Colwich. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage before her death on December 27, 2015.
Leroy is survived by: his children; Monica Rupp of Cedar Park, TX, Mike Stockemer (Carmelita) of Garden Plain, Jennifer Smith (Kurt) of Hutchinson, Dale Stockemer (Stacey) of Park City, Ronnie Stockemer (Carolyn) of Mansfield, TX, Vanessa Bertucci and Valerie Rosproy both of Wichita; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; brothers, Dennis Stockemer (Joan) of Wichita, Don Stockemer of St. Marks; and many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; sons, Christopher and Randy; 1 grandson; 2 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Virginia Stockemer, Carol Lies, and Marilyn Kerschen.
Parish Rosary will be 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors presented by Kansas Army National Guard.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, with family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.