Donald "Don" Stockemer

Donald “Don” Stockemer, age 85, of St. Marks, Kansas, was born on March 8, 1940, in Colwich, Kansas, and was called home to the Lord on February 7, 2026, with loved ones praying at his bedside.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Aloysius (Ollie) and Bernetta (Orth) Stockemer, and by his siblings and spouses: LeRoy (Mary) Stockemer, Dennis Stockemer, Marilyn (Al) Kerschen, Carol (Bob) Lies, Virginia Stockemer, and 3 nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his brother Dennis’ wife Joan (Spexarth) Stockemer, and 19 nieces and nephews who adored him and will forever treasure his memory.  To them he will always be remembered as “Uncle Donnie”.

Though Don never married and had no children of his own, his life was rich with family, friendship, and community.  A devout Catholic, Don’s faith was the foundation of his life. He often said his church community was his family, and he lived that truth fully – showing up faithfully, offering kindness freely, donating time and treasure, and building relationships that lasted a lifetime.

Don was a barber for 60 years, with most of his time spent at Norm’s Barber Shop in Wichita, Kansas.  His profession perfectly suited his social nature. He never met a stranger, and his chair was a place of conversation, laughter, and connection. The constant ringing of his phone in his later years was a true testament to how many people he served who loved him and wanted to stay connected.

In his younger years, he was a high school quarterback and a baseball pitcher. Don was an exceptional athlete, with baseball holding a special place in his heart. The opportunity to play in the major leagues for the Dodgers narrowly passed him by, but his passion for the game endured. The Stockemer genes just weren’t quite “big” enough for the big leagues. He didn’t let his love for sports end there; he continued to enjoy playing softball and golf for many years. For many years he helped organize the Colwich Open, a golf tournament he and his friends enjoyed together.  In his later years, he remained an avid sports enthusiast. He always had a game on the TV or radio and was always grateful for the joy and camaraderie sports brought into his life.

Don will be remembered for his steadfast faith, quick smile, and genuine love for others. He trusted deeply in God’s promises and now rests in the peace of eternal life. May he be welcomed into the loving arms of Christ and reunited with those who have gone before him.

A rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with the funeral mass at 10:30 am, Friday, February 20, 2026, both at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, Colwich, Kansas with burial to follow service at St. Mark Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3550 North 167^th Street West, Colwich, Kansas 67030. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.