Hans Carl Stoker

Hans Carl Stoker passed away on September 2, 2023 at Saint Peter’s Hospital after a short illness. He was born on April 25, 1956 in Olympia, Washington to Dutch immigrant parents Gerrit and Betty Stoker. Hans enjoyed a happy childhood on the Nisqually Trout Farm where his parents raised rainbow trout and large vegetable gardens. He was a brilliant life-long learner from an early age. Whatever interested him he pursued learning as much as he could about the subject whether it was electronics, motor vehicles, electricity, or woodworking, By the age of 18 he had electrically wired his first house for friends, replaced motors in cars, and helped his parents with various remodeling projects.

Hans discovered computer systems while attending Centralia Community College and was fascinated by the potential of what could be achieved with it. He threw himself into this emerging field and worked for the Office of the Administrator for the Courts (OAC) as a Systems Programmer when they embarked on a mission to automate the courts of Washington. While there, he met his wife, Kathryn (Kat) Warren, who hacked into his training program and changed his password while attending a training session of his. It was love at first sight for Kat but it took Hans a little longer to realize they were meant to be. They had 42 years happy years and enjoyed discussing many esoteric subjects from computer systems analysis, project management, quantum physics, religion, politics, or philosophy in general.

Hans was a compassionate man who gave a lot of time and treasure to the Olympia community. He supported and was involved in the Family Support Center, the Olympia Child-Care Center, Morningside, the YMCA, the Freedom Foundation, and the First Baptist Church of Olympia. He believed strongly in education to ensure a positive future for young men and women. As a result, he supported 9 young people through their college degrees.

Thinking outside of the box was ingrained in Hans who started his own computer systems business named Puget Sound Systems Group (PSSG) in 1986. His entrepreneur skills grew the business into multiple offices with work contracts throughout the nation. He also enjoyed motorcycle racing during this time until a crash at Portland International Raceway had Kat suggesting that she really didn’t feel like managing the company he created should he not make it off the track in one piece. In 2000, he sold PSSG and engaged in private systems consulting for a time.

Hans loved the Pacific Northwest and took full advantage of what it offered including skiing, hiking, and motorcycling throughout the mountains. His family could frequently be found enjoying these sports with him. He loved entertaining friends and family and taught himself Chinese cooking, Gourmet cooking, and his favorite joke was that he smoked: trout, pork, brisket, and various other cuts of meat.

A loving and loyal family man, Hans leaves behind his wife Kat of the family home, mother, Betty Stoker (Gerritt predeceased), brothers John Stoker (Polly), Ron Stoker (Carol), and Carl Stoker (Nancy). His children Alex Stoker (Melissa), Chad Stoker (Heather), Maya Stoker (Henry), and Selena Smith. Six grandchildren Aidan, Leo, Natalie, Hazel, Onawa, and Raven.

Hans’ wit, love, and expertise in almost everything will be greatly missed by us all. Surely God has welcomed home a faithful servant into his loving presence.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church 904 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 on October 21, 2023 at 11 AM