Murdock, NE (February 7, 2025) - The Stock Seed Farms family is deeply saddened to share the passing of David L Stock. David passed peacefully in the presence of his wife and family on February 3 after a 3-year battle with Leukemia.
"David had a strong connection with the land early on, instilled by his father and grandfather. This led him back to the family farm and seed business, starting down a path of conservation and stewardship that lasted a lifetime.
"David was known to the native seed industry as an innovator and mentor, building relationships spanning 5 decades. Relationships were at the heart of his professional and personal achievements. We will miss him greatly."
David Lyle Stock
April 13, 1947 - February 3, 2025
David Lyle Stock passed away on February 3, 2025 peacefully surrounded by family. He was born April 13th, 1947, in Lincoln, Nebraska to his loving parents, Lyle and Margaret Stock. Dave shared a joyful childhood with his two younger brothers, Darrell and Ron on their family farm in Murdock, NE. He graduated from Murdock High School in 1965, then went on to earn a degree in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1969.
Some of his fondest memories are from the time he spent in the Peace Corps immediately following college. He spent three years in Colombia, sharing his knowledge of modern farming. The experience cemented some of his core values–a connection to the land, humanitarian service, courage, adventure, and compassion. Those who had the privilege of traveling with Dave knew the amazing experience of seeing the world through his friendly and intelligent eyes. Borders and differences did not exist in his mind–he truly saw himself as a “citizen of the world.”
Yet his connection to people and places around the world was not limited to traveling. Perhaps his deepest connection was with the land right at home in Murdock, Nebraska. From a young age, Dave showed a love of farming, especially alongside his grandfather, Fred Stock. Upon returning from the Peace Corps, Dave joined the family business, becoming the family’s fifth generation farmer in Cass County, and eventually managed the farming operations as well as Stock Seed Farms. Alongside his dad, Dave built an incredible legacy as not only a dedicated farmer, but also an entrepreneur, innovator, and soil conservationist. He was a pioneer in growing native grasses and wildflowers. His approach to farming cannot be fully appreciated without also recognizing his passion for education, both as a mentor for the next generation of young farmers, and as a collaborator with researchers at the University of Nebraska.
In addition to Dave’s passion for farming, he was also a proud and loving family man. Dave became a father to three beautiful daughters, Amy, Jessica, and Jamie, with his first wife. As a father he enveloped them in a blanket of security, modeling for them a life path of following your dreams. Family time was extremely important to Dave as gatherings and travel with extended family were frequent and fun-filled. He adored and effortlessly embraced his role as uncle, brother, and cousin. In 2004 Dave married Sharron. Dave loved Sharron fiercely and cared for her deeply as a loving and supportive husband. He had some of the best days of his life spending quality time with her in their day-to-day lives. Their marriage was filled with adventure and an abundance of fun as they spent time with friends in their Ashland, Murdock and Arizona communities. They supported each other in their hobbies: golf, watching sports, going to music concerts, and appreciating art. They especially loved their quiet time together holding hands.
Friends and family closest to Dave felt his love unconditionally. He had a way of making everyone he interacted with feel special, including mentees, employees, and members of the community. The impression he left upon people is truly his legacy, yet he humbly earned many honors and accomplishments throughout his career, including being inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement, and receiving the Premier Seed Growers Award and the Master Conservationist Award. He served as board member and president of several associations, including the Nebraska Soybean Association and the Agricultural Builders of Nebraska, and services like Rotary. His legacy lives on in the native grasses and flowers seen along highways in Nebraska and around the country.
Dave’s positivity, integrity, and compassion for others was unwavering throughout his life up to the end through his journey with cancer. While Dave never truly retired, his semi-retirement allowed him to spend time with his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Margaret (Rasmussen) Stock and Sister-in-law Shar Stock. Survived by his wife, Sharron Stock of Ashland, NE; children Amy Stock of Greenbrae, CA, Jessica Stock (Sean Augenstein) of San Mateo, CA, and Jamie Joseph (Benny Joseph) of Greenbrae, CA; step child John Shipp (Jennifer) of Mexico; aunt and uncle Carolyn Oehlerking (Walter) of Elmwood NE; brothers and sisters-in-law Darrell Stock (Denise) of Lincoln, NE, and Ron Stock(Deb) of Portland, OR, brother-in-law Alex Fischer (Donna) of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Bodhi, Koa, Ella, and Teddy; step grandchild Kylie Shinaut (Thomas) of Murdock, NE and Lydian Shipp (Naing Naing) of Mexico step-great-grandchildren Zander, Vincent, Forrest and Maya. Also many cousins, friends and neighbors.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Saturday April 12th at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska (8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68520). Cremation, no visitation. Memorials: UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), Ashland Food Bank and the Ashland Rescue Squad.
Condolence or Tributes www.hammonsfs.com
Hammons Family Funeral Services 207 West H Street Weeping Water NE 68463