Jerry J. Stoecklein, 85, died Nov. 1, 2017, at his home in Great Bend.  He was born in Ellinwood Sept. 19, 1932, the son of Alexander C. and Anna Margaret (Wolf) Stoecklein.  He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1952.  Mr. Stoecklein was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict from 1953 thru 1955.  He married Merlyn L. Fischer Aug. 20, 1960, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend.  She died July 7, 2015.  A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Mr. Stoecklein retired from Central Kansas Utilities.

Mr. Stoecklein was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3111.  In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed hunting, bowling, camping, dancing, tinkering in his garage and fixing things around his house.

Survivors include two sons, Karl Stoecklein of Houston, TX, and Alan Stoecklein of Olmitz; two sisters, Aggie Stueve and her husband Ken of Great Bend, and Esther Staub of St. John; and many nieces and nephews, including Lea Ann LeRoy of Great Bend, Gordan Simpson of Dodge City, Monty Simpson of Bay St. Louis, MS, Audrey Fry of Great Bend, and Father Ted Stoecklein of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by six brothers, infant George Stoecklein, Eddie Stoecklein, Virgil Stoecklein, infant Alvin Stoecklein, Ted Stoecklein and Les Stoecklein; and three sisters, Florine Stoecklein, Virginia Shawn and Theresa Mortimer.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with Father Don Bedore officiating.  Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery with military rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Remi Mauler Medical Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.