Kenneth R. “Ken” Stoecker, 82, of Hutchinson, passed away February 11, 2026, at his residence. He was born April 22, 1943, in Colby, Kansas, to Frederick W. and Velma L. (Vollbracht) Stoecker.
Ken graduated from Oakley High School in 1961 and went on to attend Fort Scott Community College and Emporia State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard from 1964 to 1969 and was deployed to Vietnam.
Ken worked at Collins Industries, where he sold limousines and hearses until the company relocated. Then after he retired, Ken spent nine years driving for Budget Rental Car, a position he truly enjoyed.
Family was the center of Ken’s life. He deeply cherished time with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. Ken also enjoyed traveling, including trips oversees to Sweden, memorable Caribbean and Alaskan cruises, and a river cruise down the Seine River in Paris to meet up with Jan's son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters who lived in Stockholm, Sweden at the time.
In his spare time, Ken could often be found playing pool, walking at the Sports Arena, woodworking, and tending to his yard. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68 and took great pride in the American flag that flew from the pole in his front yard. Ken was a devoted member of Park Place Christian Church.
On November 25, 2006, he married Janice M. “Jan” (Isbell) Bartlett, in Hutchinson. She survives.
Additional survivors include: his children, Mark Stoecker of Tuba City, Arizona, Steve Stoecker (Katie) of Bemidji, Minnesota, and Stephanie VanAusdall (Vern) of Baldwin City; stepsons, Jerry Bartlett (Annika) and David Bartlett (Katie), both of Overland Park; grandchildren, Krysten Pena (Stoecker), Blake Webb, Stella VanAusdall, Gentry Stoecker, Haizley Stoecker; step-grandchildren, Delaney Shandy, Gavin Clemetson, Emma Bartlett, Sophia Bartlett, Ellie Bartlett, Noah Bartlett; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie Smith.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Elliott Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed here. Cremation will follow. Everyone is invited to a reception at Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N. Adams, after the service.
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Fairlawn Burial Park, with military honors conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Elliott Chapel.