Danny J. Stockham, age 81, of Gladstone passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, surrounded by his wife, Anita and loving nurses at the UP Health System in Marquette.
Danny was born April 11, 1942 in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Gerald and Isabel (Ruble) Stockham. He served his country in the United States Army from 1960 through 1963 and the Army Reserve from 1963 through 1966. He served as a dog handler while in the Army. Danny was united in marriage to Anita (Smithson) Kenney on December 20, 1980 at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. He retired from the Great Lakes Gas Company in 2000.
Danny enjoyed spending time with his sons at their camp in northern Minnesota. He was an avid reader of books, especially history books and read the Bible through several times when he was on night watch shift for Great Lakes. At one time he was a gifted amateur photographer and won prizes for his landscapes. He was interested in guns and the history of guns, restoring guns and target shooting and made artistic pistol grips.
Danny particularly enjoyed his morning coffee group and the staff at the Dew Drop Family Restaurant in Gladstone. He loved to walk year round as the weather permitted and knew all the dogs along the way. His quick wit endeared him to all.
Danny is survived by his wife, Anita, his sons, Gerald (Jana), Jeff (Maria), Daniel (Kathleen) and Fred (Michelle) Stockham, his step-children, Sally Everett, Scott (Nancy) Kenney, Kelly (Terry) Fenwick and Greg (Stephanie) Kenney, grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren and the mother of his children, Nancy Stockham.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Emory Stockham.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 31 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Memorial services will be at 4:00 PM with Pastor Elisabeth Daniels officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mariucci Family Beacon House, 200 S 7th Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or the Salvation Army, 3001 5th Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829
Ronald Miaso - Rapid River, MI
I remember the first day that I met Danny. I was having coffee at McDonalds in Gladstone and I overheard him talking about working in Naperville, IL. I went to pre Engineering school near there so I introduced myself and Danny soon had me invited to be a part of the coffee group. I’ve been a part of that group that now meets at the Dewdrop for almost 20 years and he was always a key member of the group. He will be sorely missed!
Ron Miaso
Lois Corcoran - Gladstone, MI
I’m so sorry for your loss, Anita. Danny was such a kind and gentle man. I loved his wry sense of humor and how he loyally attended our line dance shows even when we weren’t in sync. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Lenita Scholer (Sophie) - Gladstone, MI
Meeting the two of you was a blessing in our lives. Alex and I are sure going to miss Danny’s smiling face and cheery disposition. It was so nice to see him walking the neighborhood and waving at us. We so missed you both when you left our block. The bond he had with Alex and their same birthdays was something so special, Alex is so sad that he is gone. I will always remember him singing the “O Danny Boy Song” at his birthday and specially stopping at our house to see Alex when he wasn’t in church. The support you both have given Alex and I these past few years will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you Anita. Please call if you need anything.
Teresa Ettenhofer - Gladstone, MI
I’m so sorry Anita. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Sandra Stockham - Billings, MO
Thought alot of Danny and you. Was a very good and caring man. My prayers for you and family.
Donna & Paul Cavallaro - Gladstone, MI
Anita, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We will miss seeing Danny take walks on the Bluff in Gladstone. May Danny rest in peace and live on within the memories of you and your family.