James A. Stocke — Mendota Heights

James A. Stocke,84, of Mendota Heights, formerly of Rochester, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013.

Preceded in death by wife, Maren Stanger Stocke; parents, Oswald and Esther Stocke.

He is survived by his children, Tom Stocke, Cynthia (Fred) Betz and Lisa (Dan) Gray; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Louise (John) Anderson.

James was born Sept. 19, 1928, he grew up in Minneapolis, received his bachelor of science degree in business from Gustavus Adolphus College and resided in Rochester for over 55 years working as general manager and then president of O.A. Stocke Co. Inc. for 35 years. His work in construction included most of the Mayo Clinic buildings, 1st National Bank, Olmsted County Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Rochester YMCA, several schools and many others.

He enjoyed life-long passions in photography, architecture, boating, music, nature, camping, literature and the arts; served tirelessly in the community as member of his church, architecture/builders associations, rotary club, local politics, musician, the historical society and was a true American patriot. A dedicated husband, father and grandpa, he was greatly loved by his family and dear friends.


Memorial service will be held Monday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 700 Wesley Lane in Mendota Heights;

Burial and prayer service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 512 Third St. S.W. in Rochester.

Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace, St. Paul or First Presbyterian Church, Rochester.