George E. Stoecker Jr.

George Edward Stoecker, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, at home in Chino Valley, Arizona, having followed his lifelong dream of retiring out west. He greatly enjoyed all of the natural beauty and opportunities Arizona offers with his wife, Gail; sister, MaryAnn; daughter, Nikki; and niece, Tammy.

George was born and raised in Derry, New Hampshire, where he graduated from Pinkerton Academy Class of 1966. He was employed as a printer prior to serving in the United States Army in 1969-1970. He worked as a clerk in the United States Postal Service, in both New Hampshire and Arizona, for many years. He enjoyed simple pleasures in life including fishing, hunting, traveling the country, and spending time with his grandchildren. He took great pleasure in his special relationship with his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed watching them play volleyball, hockey, football, and basketball.

George was a proud Vietnam Veteran who worked tirelessly to support the country he loved so much. In New Hampshire, he was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) #992 for several years. George was a member of the DAV, VFW, and American Legion. He was a talented poet who used writing as a means of processing his war experiences and in the hopes of helping other veterans. He sought out opportunities to quietly help other veterans and truly enjoyed his involvement with the nonprofit, Soldier's Best Friend, which matched him with his beloved service dog, Shadow.

George had a remarkable ability to connect with most anyone he encountered and make each person feel his love and support. George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail (Mosman) Stoecker; his daughter, Nikki Curran, and her husband, Sean of Windham, New Hampshire; his son-in-law, Barry Queen of Spanish Fort, Alabama; his grandchildren, Aleks, Justin, and Cody Queen; and grandson, Braeden Curran; his sister, MaryAnn Cornish; his nephew, Michael Dube, whom George considered a son; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whose lives he touched deeply.

George was predeceased by his daughter, Keri-lynn Queen, with whom he shared a very special bond. He was also predeceased by his parents, Lorraine and George Stoecker, Sr.; his brother, Richard Worster; his sister, Jean Joyce; and son-in-law, Corey Heider.

George was a member of the Chino Valley United Methodist Church and had an unwavering faith that helped him through his illness. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2:00pm at the Chino Valley United Methodist Church, 735 East Road 1 South, Chino Valley, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Soldier's Best Friend (https://soldiersbestfriend.org) or Tunnels to Towers (https://dogood.t2t.org), two charities that were particularly close to George's heart.

A service and interment at the New Hampshire State Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire will follow at a later date.