John Louis Stockli (82) passed away on January 12, 2019 in Madera, Calif., surrounded by his children. John was born to Louis and Mary (Herman) Stockli in Fresno on December 5, 1936. His parents’ strong work ethic was instilled in him from an early age where he would milk cows and do other farm jobs.
John graduated from Madera High School with the Class of 1954. Following high school, he served in the United States Army from 1955-1962 with an honorable discharge. John met and married Carol Ann Bandoni in 1959. They were blessed with two sets of twins – Christopher and Christine (1960); and Kurt and Karla (1963).
John worked over 30 years for Safeway Grocery Stores with many of those as store manager. He took great pride in his job and was dedicated to his work. John also farmed grapes, cotton and alfalfa in Madera.
Upon retirement in 1998, he moved to Elizabeth City, N.C. where he worked part-time for his son Christopher’s painting business. He really enjoyed working with his son and was always eager to share details of the work they were doing. He returned to Madera to spend the last months of his life at the home of his daughter Karla Stockli and Joel Hastings, a special time for all of them.
John was an avid fan of the LA Dodgers, Lakers and Rams. He also was a huge fan of Notre Dame Football and seldom missed the opportunity to watch them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol Stockli, sister Ruth Mathis (Walter “Buddy”). He leaves behind his children, Christopher (Gloria), Christine (Jim Scott), Kurt (Monica), Karla (Joel Hastings), granddaughter Andi, great grandchildren Kilea and Kaleb, sister Barbara Brengetto (Bill), sisters-in-law Anna Hunter, Betty Montanari and Judy Favini along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11:30 AM at Jay Chapel in Madera.
The family would like to thank the professionals at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex., and Madera Community Hospital for their expert care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Madera Community Hospital Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association.
