Daniel Vern Stoecker

Daniel "Dan" Vern Stoecker, 58, of Aberdeen, SD, passed into Heaven on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center.  

The Celebration of Life for Dan will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at New Life Church in Aberdeen, with Pastor Rodney Johnson officiating.  

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the service. Burial will follow the luncheon at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  

Visitation with family present will be 5:00-7:00pm, with a 7p.m. prayer service, Friday, February 9, 2024, at Carlsen Funeral Home in Aberdeen, SD. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.aberdeenfuneralhome.com 

Daniel Vern Stoecker was born on January 27th, 1966, to Vern and Muriel (Miller) Stoecker in Aberdeen, SD. He was the youngest of four children following his three sisters.  

Dan's journey in sports began when he joined the Aberdeen Swim Team. He later discovered football, which quickly became his favorite and remained one of his many hobbies throughout his life. Graduating as the homecoming King from Aberdeen Central High School, Class of 1985, his life took a transformative turn after a car accident that led to an extensive rehabilitation during this time, Dan showed great resilience and found solace in his faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his savior. 

A passionate follower of Christ, Dan actively participated in Bible studies, and demonstrated profound knowledge of God’s word. He continually shared the message of his unwavering faith, ultimately winning many hearts for the Lord. In 1989, he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing and running Plaques & Engraving downtown Aberdeen for several years before eventually selling it. Dan later loved working alongside his father and mother at their family business, Academy Trophy Company on 6th Avenue in Aberdeen. 

Later in life, Dan found love with a high school sweetheart, Kim Weigel and they embraced the joys of marriage through their 10 years together. He embraced the role of being a grandfather and cherished the newfound family dynamic. Dan continued to leave a positive impact on everyone around him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on to anyone in need.  

Daniel Stoecker's legacy will live on through the memories of his strength, faith, wonderful sense of humor and love he shared with so many people. 

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Kimberly (Weigel) Stoecker; his parents: Vern and Muriel (Miller) Stoecker; mother-in-law: Elsie Weigel; sisters: Kelly (Jon) Gederos, Karla (Troy) Engelhart and Kris (Robb) Harrington; nieces and nephews: Sarah (Chris) Kattke, Joseph Gese (Kara Hammrich), Timothy (Hailey) Engelhart, Lauren (Austin) Morgan and Collin Engelhart; great nieces and nephews: Madyson (Austin) Shook, Allyson Kattke, Zander, Zoey, Xavier Gese, Natalie Engelhart and Ezra Morgan. Extended family includes Kim’s children: Megan (Joe) Tate and Aaron (Carissa) Cripe; grandchildren Gavin, Lilia, Sawyer, Everett and Dahlia Tate; Jovi, Ellice and Keren Cripe. And his beloved dog Romeo! 

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