STOECKLEIN, Al

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 07/21/2003 Al Stoecklein, 83, died July 15, 2003 at his home. He was born Oct. 18, 1919 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Al was a totally self made man, to help support his family after his fathers early death, he quit school to work in his uncle's bakery at the age of 12. In 1955, he moved to Tucson. With the help of his wife Pat, he eventually owned and operated his own successful business, Arizona Safe Lock and Key until his retirement in 1983. Al fell in love with the White Mountain area while on a fishing trip in Fools Hollow Lake and never wanted to leave. They purchased the "Cozy Pines Cabins" in Pinetop and ran them until ill health forced his second retirement in 2001. Al loved his "piece of heaven" at Cozy Pines, where he made many wonderful and long lasting friendships with his neighbors and guests. He rescued stray cats, and made sure all of the wild birds and raccoons in the area had plenty to eat. Al is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Patricia and two daughters, Nancy (Ron) Lopez of Queen Creek and Eileen (Jim) Fairbanks of Williamson, New York; four grandchildren, Scott and Kate Fairbanks, and Alexander and Matthew Lopez. We will miss his constant teasing, and his obstinate determination to "do it himself." Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements.