John M. Stoker

It is not without remorse that I leave the family, relatives and many friends from such a rich and rewarding life. Since my birth of June 12, 1923 until the last breath on June 6, 2008, I''ve struggled with the numerous adversities that I''ve faced during my life span and reaped the marvelous benefits of being married to my life-long companion, Iona Drake on August 9, 1946, and later sealed in the San Diego LDS Temple. She was the proud mother of my five beautiful children, Bonnie Ackerman Winder (Jim), John Ira Stoker, Rodney Ray Stoker (Sue), James Brent Stoker (Jan) and Joy Cain (Lou). Their contribution to the family tree totals 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren including, two that are on their way, all a credit to the family name. Also, included are five step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

The autobiography, "What a Life", is a symbolic description of my existence which includes the active participation in the U.S. Navy during World War II, a dedicated lengthy service while employed by the Pillsbury Company and 20 plus years of retirement filled with contentment.

Exposure to new places and people dominated the first 15 years of retirement all with the blessing of good health. I am grateful for this life and look forward to the reunion with my parents who preceded me in death and especially my son, John, who died in October of 1999.

Including his children, Dad is also survived by three sisters, Lucille MacFarlane, Ileen Wilkinson and Shirley Fronk; many nieces and nephews, along with an abundant number of life-long friends who will love him and miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, a son-in-law, Andy Ackerman, a brother, Glen and a great-grandson, Christopher Perez.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 11th at 1:00 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Friends and family may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at the mortuary.

Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com /stop