Laddie Joe Storckman

Laddie Joe Storckman, 70, of Hutsonville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2023, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on December 18, 1952, in Olney, IL, the son of J.O. & Madelyn (Collins) Storckman. He grew up in Robinson and was a 1970 graduate of Robinson High School. He soon decided to take up his country's call and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971. Following initial training at Parris Island in July of that year, he entered combat training at Camp Lejeune before moving on to the Parris Island School of Music, where he trained from January to March of 1972. From there, he was sent to the "8th & I" in Washington, D.C., to play in "The Commandant's Own", the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. With bugle in hand, Laddie performed in countless ceremonies, events, and parades across the nation, from several White House events, the inaugural parade of President Nixon, and even the opening of Disney World! He especially enjoyed traveling with the Silent Drill Platoon, and together, they represented our great country with honor and distinction.

Following his honorable discharge in July of 1973, Laddie returned home to study Petroleum Technology at Lincoln Trail College, eventually earning an associate degree in 1975. He applied this newfound knowledge to his long and fulfilling career in the oil field. Over the years, he worked for Marathon in Robinson, Chevron in Rangely, CO, and Amoco in Evanston, WY. Most recently, he was an oil and gas well inspector for the State of Illinois, a position he still held at the time of his passing.

Beyond his professional achievements, Laddie was an avid outdoorsman, known for his love of hunting, fishing, and gardening. Whether it was chasing turkey, elk, deer, or moose in the breathtaking wilderness of western America or cultivating a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, beans, and peppers in his own backyard, Laddie found solace and joy in the natural world. He especially enjoyed planting every kind of pepper, which added spice to both his garden and his life. Laddie was also a dedicated student of history, with a particular interest in the fur-trading days of America and the Pacific Theater of WWII, a curiosity born from war stories his father told from his time in the Marine Corps.

A steadfast follower of Jesus, Laddie was an active member of Trimble Bible Church, where he served as a board member, treasurer, and song leader. His strong, melodic voice glorified God, as did the rest of his life. After all, Laddie Storckman was a faithful man, the kind of man you could depend on in any circumstance and was a rock for his family. He married Connie Vandevender on May 31, 1975, and together, they enjoyed 48 blessed years of marriage. The Storckmans raised a family that will carry on Laddie's legacy for generations to come. In addition to his wife, Connie Storckman, he is survived by his daughter, Amy Teska; his son & daughter-in-law, Ryan & Sara Storckman; his grandchildren, Olivia, Aaron, and Rachel Teska; his sister, Julie Takacs; his brother & sister-in-law, Scott & Christine Storckman; his mother-in-law, Libby Vandevender; his sisters-in-law & brother-in-law, Carolyn Kay & Gary Smith and Betty Vandevender, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly. Laddie was preceded in death by his parents, J.O. & Madelyn (Collins) Storckman; his father-in-law, Leroy Vandevender; his brothers-in-law, John Vandevender and Robert Takacs; his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Dianne E. & Rick Pollard; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Laddie, you fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, with Pastor David Hyde officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Trimble Bible Church", with envelopes available at the funeral home.