Obituary of Gerrit Stoker

Gerrit Stoker died at home on August 2 at the age of 86. He is now at peace in his Heavenly home. He was born on Feb. 19, 1927 in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. He was the youngest of 5 children, all who preceded him in death. He spent his childhood playing in and around the canals and working on the family farm. He also lived through the German occupation of Holland at the age of 14. At 19 he decided to go to the U.S.A. to work for his Uncle John DeBoer who owned the Nisqually Hog Ranch. Gerrit worked for him until he was drafted in the U. S. Army. While stationed in France, he became an American citizen. He also contacted a girl he remembered very well in their little town of Applescha, Holland and rekindled a friendship with her. A few years later he married Boukje (Betty), “the girl from the other side of the canal.” After his Army tour he settled in Nisqually, WA where his Betty later joined him. Again he worked for his Uncle and together they started the Nisqually Trout Farm which he later owned and operated successfully for over 60 years. He is survived by his wife Betty of 59 years and four sons: Hans (Kat), Carl (Nancy), Ron (Carol), John (Polly), 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was a wonderful, decent and honest man who had a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. He was a loving family man and will be greatly missed. He enjoyed first his family (and a good game of pinochle!) but also took great pride in building the trout farm into a successful family business. Since 1949, he was member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where among many other contributions to the church, he had served as deacon and elder. Please sign the Guestbook below and leave your favorite remembrance of Gerrit for his family.