Obituary of Gerald W. Stoddard

Gerald Stoddard, American War Hero Dies at 82 Gerald William Stoddard, veteran of World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam, awarded the Bronze Star on three separate occasions for heroic acheivement in battle, passed away in Lodi, on Friday July 23, 2004. Lt. Commander Stoddard's last duty station was Port Hueneme where he served as Port Director. Upon retirementfrom a distinguished naval career, Mr. Stoddard accepted a position as Vice President of Apache Plastics. He retired from that executive position in 1989. His wife of 61 years Laverne Stoddard and their four children Donna Siria and husband Dick, Kathryn Stoddard, Stephen Stoddard and wife Sandra, and Judith Stoddard-Closson and husband Robert survives Commander Stoddard. Mr. Stoddard was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Bradley, Stephanie, Jenny, Samuel, Scott, Connor, and Joey. And, five great-grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Angel, Jacob, and Baily. To his offspring, Gerald Stoddard will always be known as Poppy, a kind and gentle man with infinite patience, eager to listen,and slow to judge. Brothers Orville Stoddard of Denver, Colorado, Jay Stoddard of Grand Island, Nebraska, Paul Stoddard of Larkspur, Colorado also survive Mr. Stoddard. Mr. Stoddard was preceded in death by parents, Fred and Amelia Stoddard and sister, Roberta Rathbun. Gerald Stoddard was an active member of the Bear Creek Community Church. He loved fishing, golf, and most of all, spending quality time with his family. Gerald "Jerry" Stoddard was a loving husband, father, and friend. He was, in all ways, a true American hero and a shining example of the "greatest generation." Gerald Stoddard will be deeply missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him. A chapel service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Cummins of Bear Creek Community Church officiating. Committal will follow at Lodi Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Bear Creek Community Church, 11171 Lower Sacramento Road,Lodi, CA 95242 and The American Cancer Society, 207 E. Alpine, Stockton, CA 95204.