April 22, 1938 – June 4, 2022
Services for Francine Stoecker, 84, of McLaughlin were held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Mobridge American Legion Club.
Francine passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Francine was born April 22, 1938 in McIntosh to Charles and Tillie (Hetterley) Howard. She graduated from Mc Laughlin High School.
Francine married Arnold Stoecker in McLaughlin in 1956. They began farming east of McLaughlin with Arnold’s stepfather.
Arnold passed away in 1977 and Francine began working at a café in McLaughlin, as well as the Western Bar and the McLaughlin Sale Barn.
Fran was not afraid of hard work and long hours as she worked most of her life penning cattle at Mobridge Livestock, McLaughlin Livestock, Lemmon Livestock and Herreid Livestock. She loved being around livestock and working with many co-workers in all kinds of weather. It seemed the rain, wind, blowing snow and freezing cold couldn’t stop Fran; she took her job seriously and did her job very well and did it cheerfully. Fran worked at Mobridge Livestock up until a couple of years ago due to her health.
Fran was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, visiting with friends, fishing and riding horse, and cuddling with her dogs and cats. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Francine is survived by her two sons, Wayne (Glenda) of McLaughlin, and Shane (Shelly) of Junction City, KS; three grandchildren, Tanner (Caitlin) Stoecker of Fargo, ND, Taylor (Kendria) Stoecker of McLaughlin, and Samantha Stoecker of Washington; eight great-grandchilderen — Phoebe, Hudson, Maverick and Eloise Francine Stoecker; and Kendra Lynn, Keagan, Kaysen and Kye Stoecker; a sister, Donna Hinckley of Little Eagle; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Francine is preceded in death by her parents, sister Geraldine Wallace, and brother Donald Howard.