Lawrence David Stockert, age 78, of Bismarck, ND, passed away on July 29, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will start at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 6, at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 825 E Broadway Ave.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., on Wednesday, August 5, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, with a Rosary/Vigil starting at 6 p.m.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Born on February 19, 1948, in Bismarck, ND, to Leo and Catherine Stockert, he was the first-born son and second of fourteen children. Though material possessions were scarce during his childhood, he was richly blessed with a loving Catholic home that instilled in him a deep faith, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering devotion to family that would guide him throughout his life.

As a young boy, he spent his summers working on his aunt and uncle's farm near Dickinson. His hard work helped provide food for his family through the winter months. In return, he was paid with chickens, beef, pork, and a new set of clothes and shoes for the coming school year. These early experiences shaped the humble, generous, and hardworking man he became.

In 1965, he answered the call to serve his country, leaving for basic training at Camp Pendleton, CA. Following basic training, he was selected to attend the Navy's Hospital Corps School and Field Medical Services School, graduating as a Hospital Corps Medical Field Service Technician attached to the United States Marine Corps. On January 7, 1966, he arrived in Chu Lai, South Vietnam, where he served courageously for one year and twenty-nine days. While serving in combat, he was wounded in the field and, on July 10, 1966, at only 18 years old, received the Purple Heart for his sacrifice and bravery. Following his return from Vietnam in 1967, he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station, IL, where he completed his service before receiving an honorable discharge on February 18, 1969, the day before his 21st birthday.

Following his military service, he moved to Cleveland, OH, where he worked while pursuing higher education. Through determination and hard work, he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He remained in Cleveland until 1977 before returning home to Bismarck.

Back in Bismarck, he built a successful career in banking and finance, dedicating many years to serving his community before eventually retiring upon the closing of his department at United Tribes Technical College.

One evening at the beloved Wheel-O-While roller skating rink, he met KayAnn Roth, who would become his wife. They were married on April 10, 1980. While their marriage eventually ended, it brought him what he often described as the two greatest blessings of his life, his children, Erin and Ryan. He was a devoted and loving father who never missed an opportunity to support, encourage, and celebrate them.

His relationship with his son Ryan was especially strengthened through wrestling. Whether in season or out, he spent countless hours training with him, studying the sport, and traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to tournaments. Those long road trips often included stops for packs of basketball cards, which they meticulously sorted and cataloged together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

He treasured the time spent with his brothers, particularly working on his brother Kevin's race car. His remarkable attention to detail and pursuit of perfection earned him the affectionate nickname "Clarence." Whether preparing a race car or building a piece of furniture, he believed every job worth doing was worth doing right.

When he became a grandfather, his heart expanded yet again. Helping care for his first grandchild, Trevor, every day for years was a role he cherished deeply. He loved all of his grandchildren beyond measure and remained actively involved in their lives. He faithfully attended sporting events, school functions, birthdays, and milestones, and was especially honored when each of them chose him as a Confirmation sponsor.

His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. He possessed an extraordinary knowledge of the Church and loved discussing Scripture, theology, and faith with anyone willing to listen. No matter the weather or circumstance, he could be found in church every Sunday. His faith was steadfast, inspiring, and evident in the way he treated others.

As a gifted woodworker, he created beautiful furniture that rivaled anything found in a showroom. While many encouraged him to turn his talent into a business, he always replied that he wanted to do it for the love of it rather than because he had to. His creations now stand as treasured reminders of his generosity and craftsmanship throughout the homes of those he loved.

In his final years, he embraced a lifelong dream of following the Los Angeles Dodgers and rediscovered his love of baseball card collecting. He spent countless happy hours building collections, completing sets, researching cards, and sharing his enthusiasm with family and friends.

Despite facing heart and health challenges, he rarely complained. Instead, he met life with gratitude and resilience. He was always happy to see those he loved and thankful for every day he was given.

He is survived by his child, Erin (Shane) Freeman; his grandchildren, Trevor Stockert, Ashton Maslowski, Tara Maslowski, Jacob Maslowski, his brothers and sisters, Donna Vetter, Linda Adams, Gary (RaeDean) Stockert, Patty (Bruce) Deviney, Sandy (Roger) Erickson, Mike (Theresa) Stockert, Paul (Crystal) Stockert, Jeff Stockert, Brenda (Donnie) Wald, Brian (Stacy) Stockert, Jeanine (Tim) Verasca, extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his son Ryan Stockert, parents, Leo and Catherine Stockert, brothers Maurice Stockert and Kevin Stockert, nephew Erik Stockert, brothers-in-law Ronald Vetter and Wayne Adams.

Above all else, he will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, veteran, craftsman, and man of unwavering faith. His life was a testament to service, sacrifice, humility, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the values he taught, and the countless lives he touched.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."