John Stoeckel, 82, of Waynesville, died on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Four Seasons Hospice, Elizabeth House. He is a native of Faribault, MN. He is the son of the late Carl and Lucille (Schmidke) Stoeckel. He is also preceded in death by his son, Timothy John Stoeckel, two brothers, Ron and Dan Stoeckel and a nephew Brian Stoeckel.

John received his undergraduate degree at Mankato State College in MN. His master’s degree was obtained at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He specialized in social work, political science and administration.

John spent his career in professional social work with skills in psychotherapy, supervision, marketing and public speaking. He was a consultant and educator.

John served as the executive director of the National Association of Volunteers in Criminal Justice and worked at multiple institutions across the country. John was a published author where he wrote articles in national journals and texts as well as magazines and newspapers.

John leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Claire Johnson Stoeckel, two daughters, Nina Stoeckel Butler (Dan), Kellie Holt Blount (Andrew); In-Laws, Doyle and Nancy Love; three brothers, Russ, Rick and David Stoeckel; along with six grandchildren, Matilda, Tabatha, Holt, Hensley, Quinn, Kennedy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville with Reverend Keith Turman and Reverend Dr. Robert Blackburn, Jr. officiating. Visitation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to FUMC c/o Capital Fund Drive, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786 or Alzheimer’s Association c/o Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601.

The care of Mr. Stoeckel has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville