Gordon “Mike” Stoakes, 79 of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at home surrounded by family.  He was adored by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, out-laws, neighbors, and friends.  He was born May 30, 1942 in Albion, NE to Gordon and Elda (Anderson) Stoakes.

Mike grew up in the small town of Mead, NE, the first born of parents Elda and Gordon Stoakes. The family lost Elda young and Mike became a devoted big brother and caregiver to brothers Chuck and Steve and sisters Deanna (Schultz) and Sandi (Purcell). The siblings remained close all their lives, frequently traveling together and getting in trouble wherever they could.

At the sweet young age of 19, Mike met and married the love of his life, Dian Cornelison. They raised their family in Nebraska and Iowa while Mike worked for General Tire. Mike returned to school in his 40s to become a respiratory therapist. He excelled in his career and set an example as a successful non-traditional student for his son Monty, who has recently achieved honors in his return to college.

Mike was an avid pool player and Dian’s best hope of spending the evening with him was to join his pool league – so she did! They played together in local pool leagues for years, many of those years with Brother Chuck. They shared their love of pool with family, hosting tournaments in their basement and recycling their trophies for the kids. Mike spent many younger years playing softball and later years coaching his family’s softball team. The most important lesson – win or lose, all games should be followed with ice cream.

Mike was always ready with a helping hand for anyone in need, whether family member, friend, neighbor or complete stranger. He moved mountains to be present with his family and friends for every life event, large or small. His grandkids adored him and he was a beloved Uncle Mike to scores of sweet nieces and nephews. Mike even spent time in Florida being a full-time nanny for his Fray grandkids.

Mike and Dian traveled extensively throughout the country and beyond, always going to see another loved one and stopping at every Dairy Queen on the way. Mike’s drive to live life fully, and his lovely wife caregiver, kept him active and present for many cherished memories despite health challenges in later years.

We were blessed to have Mike home on hospice for his final earthly month. He greeted dozens of loved ones with a smile and said his loving goodbyes before passing peacefully. His youngest sister Sandi was right by his side until the end, cheering him on and telling him what a great big brother he was.

Family celebrating his life and legacy today include his wife Dian, sister Sandi, children Traci Fray (Mark), Kim Coleman (Bob), Monty (Kelsey); grandchildren Nate (Jackie), Abbey (Kupo), Andrew, David (Deanna) and Rachel (Richard), great grandchildren Mapula, Solé and Magnus, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Please join us as we celebrate his Victory Lap Saturday March 5 at Svoboda’s funeral home in Wahoo, NE. The service begins at 3pm, family reception begins at 2pm.

We encourage you to wear Husker attire (especially you Shafers!). We’ll have food and festivities at the Mead Fire Hall following the service.

If you have a favorite story or memory of Mike you’d like to share, feel free to bring a written copy and we will compile them in a memory book for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mead Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dept. or any animal rescue shelter of donor’s choice.