4-H volunteer, teacher dies in crash

Neil Stoeckel killed in crash along Highway 8 in Chisago County

A 58-year-old Isanti man was killed on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2008 along Highway 8 in Chisago County near Forest Lake.

Neil Stoeckel was a passenger in a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier that was attempting to cross Highway 8 at Pioneer Road. The Cavalier, driven by a 15-year-old Lindstrom teen, was struck broadside at 1:30 p.m. on the passenger side by a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer.

Stoeckel died of internal injuries.

The 15-year-old boy was transported to St. Croix Regional Medical Center with minor injuries, as was the driver of the Blazer, Elizabeth Miller, 61, of Turtle Lake. Both were treated and released.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are contributing factors in the fatal crash.

For 35 years, Stoeckel taught industrial technology at St. Francis Middle School (SFMS). He also served on the safety committee.

"He was an excellent employee," said SFMS Principal Dale Johnson.

Outside of work, Stoeckel was a valued Isanti County 4-H volunteer. He died while working as a driver's education instructor, which he had been doing for the past few years.

The funeral service for Stoeckel will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. at Long Lake Lutheran Church. Visitation will be on Friday night, 4 to 7 p.m. at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service.