Theodor Stoerker Obituary

Theodor Frederick "Rick" Stoerker, 81, of Fort Wayne, IN, died on February 16, 2026, born on October 10, 1944, in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the son of the late Roberta Tucker Stoerker Clair and the late Theodor Stoerker. From 1963 to 1967, Rick served in the Coast Guard as part of the International Ice Patrol, flying out of Argentia, Newfoundland. His Coast Guard service ignited a lifelong passion for both aviation and natural wonders. Rick graduated with a B.A. from American International College and an M.Ed. from Springfield College with majors in student personnel services and counseling. He served as an Admission Officer at five east coast colleges: Wesley College in Dover, DE; Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY; Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT; New England College in Henniker, NH; and Bay Path College in Longmeadow, MA. Rick was committed to peace and justice work. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was involved with Beyond War, working as a passionate peace activist. He was a member of the Peace and Justice Committee at Plymouth Church. Friends knew him as part of the "resistance" a man who stood firmly for his convictions and worked toward a more just world. In recent years, he became close to a men's auxiliary group, with whom he shared openly about the gifts and challenges of life. The group brought him profound companionship and joy. Rick's exceptional skills as a master wood craftsman resulted in Adirondack chairs, flower boxes, tables, and cutting boards crafted with patience and love gifted generously to those he cherished. During summers in Vermont, he lovingly cared for Crooked Path, the family's cottage on Thompson's Point in Charlotte, where the beauty of the mountains and Lake Champlain were his sanctuary. There he found deep joy in motorboating, time with family, and the peaceful rhythm of lake life. As the son and grandson of Protestant ministers, Rick carried a deep and abiding faith throughout his life. He held lifelong membership in Methodist and United Church of Christ churches, and in Fort Wayne he was active at Plymouth UCC as a deacon. He also volunteered with Study Connection as a tutor and with the YWCA. Rick's greatest joy and deepest love were his family. His devotion to his wife Jane and his daughters Jennifer and Kimberly was the quiet center of his life. His mother Roberta shaped the man he became, and her influence never left him. Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Bunt McGraw; daughters Jennifer (Jonathan) Scott and Kimberly Stoerker; grandchildren Gretchen, Oliver and Adaline Scott; sisters Holly Stoerker and Joy (John Martin) Stoerker; cousins Cathy (Toby), Bonnie, Chad, the late Rob (Ed), Carol, Sherri and Patty; aunt Susan Tucker and late aunts and uncles Bob Tucker; Theo and Charley Hart. A celebration of Rick's life will be held at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 501 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, on Saturday, April 4th. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made out to Plymouth Church, care of Stoerker Memorial, in support of the Richard Hess Peace Studies Scholarship. For full obituary, visit Hockemeyermillerfh.com.