Bernie Stocking, age 84, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, August 26, 2013 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital from complications of Parkinson's. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial at the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Bernie Stocking, son of Vern and Gertrude (Minnehan) Stocking, was born December 19, 1928 in Britton, SD. He graduated from Britton High School in 1947 and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1951 and his Master Degree in 1959 from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD. Following a four year stint in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955, Bernie began his coaching and teaching years in Miller, SD from 1955 to 1957. He moved to Centerville, SD from 1957 to 1960, coaching all three sports. On July 18, 1959 he was united in marriage with Rose Herred in Miller, SD. In 1960 he moved to Mitchell, where he was a teacher, track coach, athletic director and vice principal from 1960 to 1977. In 1977, Bernie took on Assistant Director of Boys Sports for SDHSAA in Pierre, SD. He worked tirelessly to improve referee training, and was instrumental in starting the State Football Playoffs and at his retirement received many state and national awards. He is survived by his wife, Rose Stocking, Mitchell, SD; three sons, Tim (Ivette) Stocking, Olive Branch, MS, Michael (Ronda) Stocking, Russellville, AR, Patrick (Janelle) Stocking, Bismarck, ND; five grandson, Jason, Blaine, Chris, Travis, Aaron; two granddaughters, Elisa and Nicole; nine great grandchildren, Garret, Lauren, Greenly, Allie, Caroline, Elly, Talon, Evie and Dakota; five brothers, Gene (LaVonne) Stocking, Edina, MN, Merlin (Rita) Stocking, Maple Plain, MN, Howard (Vivian) Stocking, Britton, SD, Ron (Jan) Stocking, Burnsville, MN, Bill (Connie) Jones, Spearfish, SD; and a brother-in-law, Del Blando, Aberdeen, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Vernice Blando. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance of Bernie may be sent to John Paul II Elementary Catholic Church (1510 West Elm Ave, Mitchell, SD).