Wyan Stockdell, 94, of Lee’s Summit, passed away on February 12, 2023. His daughters and a dear family friend were with him as he peacefully walked into the arms of Jesus.
He was born in Putnam County, Illinois as the second son of Loyd Earl and Lela Forrest Stockdell. Wyan graduated from Princeville Community High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years in the field of electronics. For 28 years he worked at the National Weather Service in Joliet, Illinois and Kansas City, Missouri where he repaired all types of weather instruments. After enjoying a year of retirement, he worked for Sheerin Scientific Company where he traveled around several states cleaning and repairing microscopes for 20 years and then retired for good at the age of 80.
He married Catherine Voss Stockdell in December of 1953 and they raised three children. They resided in Joliet until 1974 when they moved to Lake Lotawana, Missouri due to Wyan’s job transfer. Living at the lake they enjoyed watching wildlife, taking boat rides and watching the 4th of July fireworks displays over their water from the pontoon boat.
In 2010 Wyan and Kay moved to John Knox Village retirement community. They attended Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs for over 45 years.
Wyan loved antique cars from the 1930s and the family enjoyed taking rides in Lulu and Tinkerbell. Wyan spent his retirement years reading westerns and solving word search puzzles. He looked forward to Saturday brunch with his Redbud neighbors. He loved pie with ice cream and gave great hugs. Everyone who knew Wyan spoke of his gentle spirit and positive attitude.
Wyan was predeceased by his wife, Catherine Stockdell; parents, Loyd and Lela Stockdell; brothers, Phillip and Verl Stockdell, and sister, Betty Gerhig. He is survived by daughters Janine (John) Geisel and Sue (Kevin) Schuh and son Robert “Bob”; his sister, Alice Nash; along with grandchildren Rachael (Robert) Kunz, Jesika Lambert, Charlie (Kayla) Stockdell, Melissa Geisel and eight great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 N.W. RD Mize Rd, Blue Springs, MO. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Church. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 NW R D Mize Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Following the memorial service the family would like to invite everyone in attendance for a meal at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Wyan and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
“TO HONOR A VETERAN”
Thank you Wyan for serving our country. Because of your service you have given each and every one of us are freedom.
God bless you for taking care of our country and for all the sacrifices you have made for our country for me and for all of us.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
I only knew Wyan through my friendship with Kay but heard lots of stories about him through Kay. He always had a smile & loved to visit. He is now reunited with Kay & praising the Lord.
I became friends with Kay & Wyan when I moved to John Knox Village from the Dallas area as we shared our ties to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Will always remember touring the Toy/Miniature Museum in Kansas City with Kay to see her contributions. Talked often with Wyan when Kay was in our Care Center. And often as we ate lunch together after losing her. A really fun couple who helped me learn about the Midwest.
I was sorry to hear of your Father’s passing He wore that great smile very well and always had a kind word. May the memories keep and sustain you in the days ahead Please accept my sincere condolences and regret we are not able to be there with you all
Wyan was one of our church members that we were always glad to see on Sunday morning. His cheerful attitude was uplifting. He was faithful and caring towards Kay, who was a singing partner with me for a while in ladies choir. May he and Kay rest together in God’s loving care.
I knew Wyan for 30 years as a regular Timothy worshipper, greeting him and Kay on Sunday mornings. However, during the past year and a half, we became good friends through our weekly visits and chats. As both USAF veterans and retirees from the National Weather Service, we had many life stories to share. He was always pleasant and upbeat. He loved his family and his Lord! He will be missed by all who knew him!
As a fellow church member, I always looked forward to visiting with Wyan on Sunday mornings with his smiling upbeat attitude. He did a special favor for me, that I think about often. One time we discussed his job of cleaning microscopes because he came to my company’s facility. I asked for him to be on the lookout for a used dissecting microscope for me. He didn’t forget, and found me a good one. Why is this memorable? My grandchildren and I use this often to look at bugs and other things up-close. Every time we use it I think of Wyan and how thoughtful he was to remember this for us. May he rest in God’s loving care. My sincere condolences at your loss.