Ralph Kenneth Stocker Ken, age 83, of Richland, died Monday, January 30, 2006, at The Hospice of the Chaplaincy Center in Kennewick in the arms of his loving family. Ken was born May 1, 1922, in Horton, Wisconsin, to Ernest and Hulda Stocker. The Stockers moved to Sigourney, Iowa, where Ken enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in the 3rd Marine Division to defend our country during WWII. While in the Marines, he was involved in the fighting on Guam and Bougainsville. Ken was injured in the line of duty and was sent to the Farragut Naval Hospital, Idaho, where he met his wife, Marjorie Delores Heinen, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, who was serving in the U.S. Navy Medical Corp stationed at Farragut Naval Base, Idaho. They were married on June 30, 1945, in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. After Ken and Marjorie's discharge from the service, they moved to Richland, Washington to join Ken's family, who had moved to the Tri-Cities after Ken joined the Marines. Ken worked as a Nuclear Power Operator for General Electric on the Hanford Reservation until 1970 when he went to work for the City of Richland as a millwright, later retiring from WPPSS as a warehouseman in 1984 at the age of 62.

Ken was a wonderful father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great grandfather who loved his family and always put his family first.

Ken was preceded in death by brothers Bayward and Ernest Stocker, sister Patricia Stocker Helgerson, and his parents Ernest and Hulda Stocker.

Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years Marjorie D. Stocker, daughter Rebecca Becky and husband George Adams of Kelso, Washington; daughter Helen and husband Bob Burke of Kennewick, Washington; daughter Antoinette Toni and husband Mick Winborg of Richland, Washington; brother Win and wife Beverly Stocker of Anacortes, Washington, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the joys of his life, grandson Michael Wright of San Diego, California; granddaughter Jennifer and husband Kris Boisoneau of Seattle, Washington; great-granddaughter Stella Boisoneau of Seattle, Washington; and granddaughter Alexis Lexi Winborg of Richland, Washington.

Ken may be gone from this earth, but our memories of him will live on forever. We will miss his wonderful sense of humor and the love he gave freely to all of us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospice of the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336.