Stockmann, John Edward

John Edward Stockmann, 75, of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, October 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

John was born on November 6, 1948, to Frank and Mary Stockmann in St. Louis, MO, and enjoyed a bike-riding and neighborhood-hopping childhood with his six siblings. He attended Holy Family Catholic grade school and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served our nation for four years. After his service, John married Dora Herlinda Torres of Del Rio, Texas. John and Dora Stockmann built a strong and beautiful family with four daughters in St. Louis City. Family was always the hallmark of John’s life – “There is nothing more important than family.”

John began and ended his career in the St. Louis Post Office, starting as a young mail carrier in “rain, shine, sleet, or snow” and eventually working up to branch supervisor. He retired at the age of 55, then did computer repair work and helped raise several of his grandchildren. He enjoyed a whiskey with his friends at the Amvets Post 6, where he volunteered his time as Post Commander. His love of family grew as the number of grandkids increased to ELEVEN, and soon enough his backyard swimming pool was once again filled with kiddos at family barbeques every Sunday. John would often be behind the grill, sneaking pork chop bites to grandkids or serving up his “cheeseburgers in paradise”.

Our family cherishes memories of summer and Christmas vacations to Del Rio, Texas, with our fearless leader behind the wheel of our beloved motorhome, singing along to Kenny Rogers and Alabama. We were lucky to have his whirlpool and wave pool skills in the pool every summer, his flapjacks and brown sugar oatmeal the morning after a sleepover with cousins or friends, and the best nachos anytime you asked. His knowledge of computers benefited his kids and grandkids as well; they all loved playing the newest computer games in his basement office. “Papa” was the best preschool carpool driver around, always treating his grandkids to Hardees or donuts. Tickle-monster Papa could get a belly laugh out of any grandkid. He loved taking his trike motorcycle out for a long ride, a delicious steak dinner at Tucker’s, and a good neighborhood bar.

John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dora; his daughters Michelle Higgins (Pat), Melissa Lawler, Monica Shripka (Eric), and Melinda Stockmann; and his dear grandchildren Molly, Jack, Macy, and Colin Higgins; Anna, Sara, and Kate Lawler; and Maya, Owen, Myles, and Nolan Shripka. He leaves behind three siblings, Tom Stockmann (Bonnie), Carol Sykora (David), and Judi Stroud (Gary), and fourteen nieces and nephews: Gail, Laura, Rob, Mark, Matt, Keith, Jeremy, Jenny, Rich, Mike, Stephanie, Malorie, Brett, and Jamie.

Visitation is Wednesday, October 23, 4-8:00 p.m. at Kutis Affton (10151 Gravois Rd 63123) and Thursday, October 24, 9-9:55 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (4092 Blow St 63116), preceding the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Burial services are at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (2900 Sheridan Rd 63125) following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Kids with Cancer