Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 4/8/2006

Louis Wilford Stoeckinger

May 23, 1929 - April 7, 2006

Louis Wilfrid Stoeckinger, 76, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on the 7th day of April, 2006, in St. Paul's Healthcare Center.
Louie, as he was known by all of his friends, was born May 23, 1929, in Mishawaka, to the late Wilfrid and Clara (Kline) Stoeckinger. He retired from NIPSCO in 1989 after 29 years of service. Louie was an honorary member of Local 12775 and belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Louie was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka.
Louie is survived by his wife, Marianne (Fjerstad-Tucker), whom he married on June 5, 1955. He is also survived by his daughters, Mimi (Joe) Norris of Granger, Louanne (John) Bilancio of Mishawaka; his son, Peter Stoeckinger of South Bend; his grandsons, Dominick, Nathan and Connor Bilancio; his sister, Mary Stoeckinger of South Bend; and his brother, Bill (Eleanor) Stoeckinger of South Bend.
Louie will be remembered for many things, but most of all for his love of life. Nothing pleased him more than boating and spending time with his family and friends at his little cottage on the island in the middle of the river at Buchanan, Michigan.
Friends are invited to call at the Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka, on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Robert Yast officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Louie's memory to St. Paul's Retirement Community or to the charity of the donor's choice. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.