Services for Francine Stoecker age 84 of McLaughlin, SD will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Mobridge American Legion Club at 11:30 am. A prayer service will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge at 7:00 pm. Francine passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Francine was born April 22, 1938 in McIntosh, South Dakota to Charles and Tillie (Hetterley) Howard. She grew up, attended and graduated from Mc Laughlin High School.

Francine married Arnold Stoecker in McLaughlin in 1956. They began farming east of McLaughlin with Arnold's stepfather.

Arnold passed away in 1977 and Francine began working at a café in McLaughlin, as well as the Western Bar and the McLaughlin Sale Barn. Fran was not afraid of hard work and long hours as she worked most of her life penning cattle at Mobridge Livestock, McLaughlin Livestock, Lemmon Livestock and Herreid Livestock. She loved being around livestock and working with many co-workers in all kinds of weather. It seemed the rain, wind, blowing snow and freezing cold couldn't stop Fran, she took her job seriously and the tough cowgirl she was, did her job very well and did it cheerfully! Fran worked at Mobridge Livestock up until a couple of years ago due to her health.

Fran was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, visiting with friends, fishing and riding horse, and cuddling with her dogs and cats.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Francine is survived by her two sons; Wayne (Glenda), McLaughlin, SD and Shane (Shelly) Junction City, KS; 3 grandchildren, Tanner and Caitlin Stoecker of Fargo, ND, Taylor and Kendria Stoecker of McLaughlin, SD, Samantha Stoecker of WA; eight great grandchilderen, Phoebe, Hudson, Maverick and Eloise Francine Stoecker, Kendra Lynn, Keagan, Kaysen and Kye Stoecker; Sister Donna Hinckley (Little Eagle, SD); numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Francine is preceded in death by her parents; Charles and Tillie Howard, sister; Geraldine Wallace, and brother; Donald Howard.