Leo Stoecker Obituary

Leo J. Stoecker died September 30, at age 93. He is survived by a combined family of John Thayer Stoecker, Daniel Stoecker, Tim Stoecker, Douglas Unger, Cathy Stoecker, John Unger, and Philip Stoecker. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Thayer, foster son, Vincent Campbell, step son, Steve Unger, and his second wife, Ruth Mann Stoecker. Leo was born in Chicago to George and Magdalene Stoecker. He graduated from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism with his Masters in 1941 specializing in Photojournalism. After graduation he first worked as a Reporter/Photographer for the LaCrosse Tribune until 1943 when he joined Acme Photo (part of United Press). He was with Acme-United Press-United Press International until he retired after 48 years in 1991. He progressed from a staff photographer both in the US and Europe to manager of UP photo in Rome, Italy (1948-1953), European Photo Manager, based in London (1953-1959), to Director of International Photography, New York City (1959-1984). He finished his career as manager of UPI's Unislide operation. As a photographer he had assignments that included a 1945 pictorial essay of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin East, and the testing of the first A-bomb Alamogordo White Sands, New Mexico. In 1946, he was sent to Nuremberg, Germany for trials of accused Nazis war criminals and, among other assignments: was in Greece for the first post war elections, covered Yugoslav war trials in Belgrade, and was in Jerusalem in 1948 while Israel was being formed. As a manager and then director he was responsible for coordination of photo news projects and getting news pictures to UP's clients through telephoto transmission (think fax in the 1950's) or whatever it took. A few projects were: coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, Papal election coverage of the Vatican, and Winter Olympics 1948 and 1956. Leo faced challenges in life. At age three he contracted polio which left his right leg retarded in growth leaving him with a permanent limp. He didn't complain and his family didn't see this limit him. His greatest challenge was in 1960 when his first wife, Virginia Thayer Stoecker died from cancer. He became a widower at 41 with five children aged from 8 months through 12 years. Family offered to take one or two--he refused. Somehow he kept the family together for seven years until he remarried, Ruth Mann Stoecker (45 years). He was a model of stability--always working, trying for the best for the family. The family would like to thank the following people/groups involved with Dad's care: Dr. Thomas Dlugos and his staff, Jo Wood and The Village at Skyline, Memorial Hospital 65 Patient Care Unit, and Mount St. Francis Nursing Home. All showed compassion and skill. Services are pending.