Obituary
Michael Louis Stoker
Michael Louis Stoker, 55, of La Crosse, was taken from us on June 1, 2011 after sustaining critical injuries and massive brain trauma after being struck by a car.
He was born on May 19, 1956 to Louis and Ella (Thomas) Stoker in La Crosse. He married Deirdre Mary Kalish on October 5, 1983 at the Bangor Presbyterian Church.
Michael was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He graduated from UWL and summa cum laude from UW Madison Law School. He practiced law for 22 years at the firm of Johns, Flaherty and Collins where he enjoyed finding answers through relentless research. Most of all he was a family man. He treasured his daughters and wife and spoiled them like princesses.
Michael had a tremendous intellect and sense of humor, as well as an unyielding inability to say no. His great personal weakness- not being able to say no, and always wanting to please- was fun to take advantage of, was aggravating, and most of all- was ever selfless.
He was the consummate multi-tasker in our electronic and multi media age. A man of our time. He was gifted with the ability to remember…. Everything. Sports stats, music, every detail of chic fashion, pop culture or Harry Potter geekdom- all custom fitted to bring joy and a smile to the person he was speaking with. He also brought many smiles with his unfathomable ability to remember the tiniest details and his complete generosity. .
Michael’s humor, his ability to defuse any moment of reprimand with a joke, has provided us with a lifetime of belly laughs. Please Michael, know how much we love you, how happy you made us. Please know how profoundly we will miss and remember you each time we are watching t.v. or doing the simple things that have been the glue that is you.
We are not ready to let you go. We hope there’s ESPN HD in heaven, that the great blues and other musicians are near at hand, and that you can have a talk with Raymond Chandler about writing that great American Novel I always wanted you to write.
The number of family and friends mourning his loss are too great to mention. Immediate family heartbroken and ever filled with his spirit are: his daughters Chloe and Madeline Stoker, wife DD Stoker, mother Ella, father Louis, brothers and sisters: John & Sue Stoker, Karl & Lois Stoker, Jane & Jon Olson, Mary & Eric Stoker Smith. Wonderful relatives, his colleagues and friends- all in shock and grieving.
We will be with you always, as you with us.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 6:30 PM at the North Presbyterian Church, 1327 North Salem Road, Northside La Crosse. Rev. Scott Skogen and Rev. Louis Stoker will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:30 until 6:30PM at the Church on Wednesday. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at www.couleecremation.com.
my name is rev joseph katampoi. I have learned with a lot of sadness the demise of mike and my good friend pastor louis. We meet with mike and bought some diiner through the catasy of his father.. Pastor louis and ella hosted a delegation from kenya africa. Leter on pastor paid for my seminary studies. I have been looking for his sending emails until today when i decided to such for him in the internate…plz how can i get intouch with ella? My email address is revjosephkatampoi@gmail.com. Again my sincere apology, god bless. Joseph