I first met George Stookey as an undergraduate dental student in 1965. Little did I know then he would become a close friend over these many years.  George was one of my primary mentors in graduate school and subsequently as faculty colleague. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his death.  My sincere condolences to Nola and the Stookey family. Ron Billings

I had the good fortune to get to know Dr. Stookey when I was in charge of the US Air Force Preventive Dentistry Course at Brooks, Air Force Base in San Antonio , TX in the in the late 80s and early 90s.   He was for many years our keynote lecturer for the program and much beloved by our students.  His contributions to the science of cariology and preventive dentistry have had a great impact on both disciplines and he in served as a personal inspiration to me.   My thoughts are with his  family and friends.    

I first met Dr. Stookey when I was a graduate student.  He was so accomplished and so generous with his time and knowledge.  Among his vast contributions, he served on the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and helped us all better understand substrate methodology and calculus control.  He will be missed and his legacy will live on.  
With loving sympathy,  Dr. Ellen Lowery, Director Veterinary Oral Health Council

George was a one of a kind man from his trademark handlebar moustache to his firm but fair unyielding adherence to research excellence.  He hired me in 1991 to increase our school’s research efforts and for years at IU we collaborated on several research projects primarily through the training of a number of PhD students.  After he retired from IU he continued to send me a number of research subcontracts that he needed microbiology expertise.  So he continued to mentor me through these actions.  George Stookey was the embodiment of what a good scientist should be.  He was curious about everything, intelligent and perhaps most importantly, persistent.  His career really embraced modern dental research from the early days of fluoridated toothpaste to early caries detection methods.  While he did this he took others on this ride.  And what a ride it was!  He was hard on those that worked with him because he cared about his science and wanted it done correctly.  Although he was hard on everyone, he was harder on himself.  People were often afraid to disappoint him but I always found that he had a strong humane streak inside and he was extremely generous in his dealings with those that worked with him.

May God richly welcome him into that laboratory in heaven.  

Rich Gregory



Dr. Stookey was my colleague, mentor and friend.  I learned a great deal from him about academic administration and best of all, how to run a productive committee meeting.  He was a giving and astute professor and will be greatly missed.

I WAS VERY VERY BLESSED  TO HAVE WORKED FOR DR. STOOKEY. HE WAS  VERY BRIGHT ,HARD WORKING AND A GREAT BOSS!
HIS CONTRIBUTIONS WERE SO EXTENSIVE AND FAR REACHING.  MY FATHER  VERY HIGHLY VALUED HIM  AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO DENTISTRY AND IUSD..
HE WAS A GIANT!
GOD REST HIS SOUL!!!
Will Hine Sr.

In 2006, I was very sorry that I had to cancel the invitation to my colleague’s wedding for visiting Professor Stookey whom Professor Kambara introduced me as the most prominent scientist in our research area.   I sent an email asking to give me 2 hours every day for 2 days during the consecutive holidays in May.   I did not wait for his reply and I flew to Indiana.   Professor Stookey kindly gave me his precious time.   On the first day, I told him that I wanted his opinion on my opinion as a specialist in specific scientific issue.  On the second day, he brought me a lot of materials, and told me that "Your opinion described me yesterday is completely correct."   Professor Stookey precisely described his own opinion on the specific scientific issue during the 2 hours on the second day.   I sincerely appreciated his opinion and proceeded our research work based on his guidance.    I still remember that Professor Stookey liked whistle while walking.   That was also my unforgettable memory of prominent, big, and warm Professor Stookey.

Rest in peace, my big boss.

Takashi KURIKI, D. Eng.
_________________
Board Director,
Research Fellow,
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.
4-6-5 Utajima, Nishiyodogawa-ku
Osaka 555-8502 Japan
Phone: +81-50-1745-4313
Email: takashi.kuriki@glico.com
https://www.glico.com/global/
__________________________
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Glico Nutrition Co., Ltd.
4-6-5 Utajima, Nishiyodogawa-ku
Osaka 555-8502 Japan
Phone: +81-6-6477-8353
Fax: +81-6-6477-8673
Email: takashi.kuriki@glico.com
https://www.glico.com/nutrition/en/


Dr. Stookey was the kindest person and mentor I have ever known. Please rest in God’s eternal  loving arms. 

George was a remarkable person. The consummate academic with a tremendous enthusiasm for both his responsibilities and also all those with whom he collaborated. Most of all, those, like me, whom he mentored with the perfect balance of caring, direct communication and sincerity. He was the reason I moved to the US and IUSD. 
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless colleagues around the world. 

Many good memories of “Cousin George”.  School in Milford, Indiana and Dental Study in Goshen, Indiana.  I will always miss his Happy Birthday Wishes!  
May God be with all of the family!

Dr. Stookey was a great man with whom I had the privilege of working with for many years. Although he was a brilliant scientist, he was also a very kind man. He left the world much better place through his research. 

Dear family, 
a very sad moment and I send you my sincere condolences.
George was a dear colleague for over 40 years and an inspiration in dental science. We had many stimulating and  also very pleasant  interactions at dental conferences all over the world. One of those being the ORCA conference that George organized in Indianapolis.
He will long be remembered.
Bob ten Cate,  Amsterdam (NL)

Dr. Stookey boosted the careers of many scientists, including myself. He illuminated opportunities and offered continued support in an unmatched way - all without expecting something in return. A great privilege of my life was to trust him, work with him, and learn from him. Despite your passing, your Earthly endeavors will continue to shine and live through people who you've taken under your wing directly, collaborated with, or were the recipients of your myriad health-improving inventions and research activities. Thank you, Dr. Stookey, and may God Warmly Receive You.

we met Professor Stokey in Chile many years ago, he inspired a deep change in my mind, he open a new dimension in dentistry, prevention, and early caries lesion noninvasive treatment.
His legacy will be forever in our heart

Vicente Aranguiz

In 1966 when I was 15 years old George hired me as a summer and weekend lab assistant at the IU dental school. I continued working for him throughout and after college and have stayed in touch with him. Several years ago my wife Renee and I were reminiscing about our pasts before we met. I told her that George, other than my parents was probably the most influential person in my life. She asked “ did you ever tell him that”. Unfortunately my answer was NO. That evening I called Melissa Mau and asked her to try to set up a luncheon when I was going to be in indpls for the 500. At that luncheon a few of the long term employees of OHIR , Melissa, Jim Mcdonald, Gary Wood, and Bruce Schemelhorn all expressed our gratitude to George for the powerful positive effects he had on our lives. I don’t think there was a dry eye as we all shook George’s hand Again, thank you George. You should have fired me many times but you didn’t.  Bud Healey





OBITUARY

Dr. George Kenneth Stookey

November 6, 1935 – January 5, 2022

Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services