Edward Maurice Stoeckel, born on February 5, 1925, was blessed to reach the remarkable milestone of 100 years. He lived with a clear mind, a grateful heart, and a deep love for those around him, always cherishing the company of his friends and family. On February 18, 2025, Edward passed peacefully into Glory, leaving behind a legacy of faith, wisdom, resilience, and kindness. He often credited his longevity to his strong faith in God and his lifestyle, which he described as “void of excesses.”
Throughout his life, Edward’s unwavering faith in God was the foundation of his existence. His faith guided his actions, and his relationship with his Savior was evident in everything he did.
In the celebration of his 100th birthday shortly before his passing, Edward was surrounded by loved ones as they sang hymns together, concluding with his solo of “Jesus, There’s Something About That Name.” This moment captured the essence of his life – a life full of gratitude and joy for God’s faithfulness.
Edward was born and grew up in Belleville, IL, the only son of Vincent Henry and Willie Pearl, nee Meeks, Stoeckel. He graduated with the January 1943 class from Belleville Township High School.
A month later, in the face of WWII, he enrolled in the Navy College Training Program (V-12). He attended pre-flight school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, then reported to Naval Air Station Ottumwa for primary flight training. As the war ended, he was honorably discharged to inactive duty on September 28, 1945.
Edward focused on math, physics and history in his undergraduate studies at DePauw University and Wabash College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw in 1947. As a young collegiate and great sports enthusiast, he earned letters in wrestling, track and baseball. He was a member of Sigma Nu Social Fraternity and Gamma Iota Veteran’s Honorary Fraternity. Later, Edward continued his studies in administration at Washington University and in engineering at the University of Tennessee-Memphis.
Edward’s professional career began as an engineering draftsman at Swift and Company in 1948. He then entered the tooling field for several years where he worked as a tool designer and tool engineer. In 1954, he was hired by Ralston Purina Company where he worked for almost 20 years, progressing from plant engineer to project engineer and finally division engineer.
His career continued to flourish as he led the engineering departments at several large companies including ConAgra Corporation, Cook Industries, Continental Grain Company and The Andersons. He said he always “felt God’s blessing” on his life throughout his career and gave God credit for opening doors of opportunity that often surprised him.
In 1979, Edward left the agri-products industry to serve as Executive Vice President and General Manager at PTL in Charlotte, NC. His final years in the workforce were spent as Vice President of Finance and Operations at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis. Throughout the years, he received numerous letters of appreciation for his service and accomplishments.
Edward’s personal life was equally full. He married Mary Lenett Anderson, the love of his life, on July 27, 1946, and they shared 61 years of marriage until her passing in 2007. In 2009, Edward married Louise Hollon, and they enjoyed 16 blessed years together.
In addition to his wife, Edward is also survived by his sons; Ronald Stoeckel (Lynn) of Fuquay Varina, NC and Timothy Stoeckel (Paula) of Katy, TX; and his daughter by marriage Danee Appel (Robert) of Belleville. His grandchildren include Amy Brewer of Dayton, OH, William Stoeckel of Cary, NC, Jill Tweeten (Dave) of Wheaton, IL, Jaime Ledford (Travis) of Katy, TX, and Jadyn and Cheyenne Appel of Belleville. He was blessed with nine great-grandchildren. Edward cherished his family and created lasting memories with all of them, particularly at their vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, a special place where they gathered for many joyful years.
Edward held many leadership positions in the churches he attended as his career took him across the country. He was a lifetime member of the Assemblies of God Church.
Edward’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and he will forever be remembered as a man who lived with grace, purpose, and unwavering faith.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Visitation: Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL with Rev. Chance Bringman officiating. Private family burial at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
