Robert “Bob” Donald Bockovich, 77, died Feb. 9, 2016 in Vidor, Texas.
Bob was born to Martin and Theresa Bockovich of Grand Marais at the University Hospital in St. Paul on April 25, 1938. He grew up in a very large and loving family that included 11 brothers and sisters.
After graduating from Cook County High School, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 20 years aboard multiple aircraft carriers and around the world, including during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a proficient jet mechanic and leader. Bob loved his country and served her well.
On April 4, 1961, he married his first wife, Delores “Dee” Dement. They were happily married for over 25 years. Delores became ill and Bob cared for her until her passing. They had one daughter, Debbie Bockovich Cassell.
After retiring from the Navy, Bob worked for the Housing Authority in Chardon, Ohio and retired at age 63.
In 1989, Bob met Josephine Holmes and on May 1, 1991, they were married. Bob and Jo were avid lovers of music and dance and long drives. In 2003, they moved to Vidor, Texas to live out their retirement years. When they married, Jo’s children became Bob’s as well.
Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and he and Jo were baptized together.
He loved his birds, church, old westerns and Bible studies. He attended Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Saturday morning at “Cathedral in the Pines” and his heart was always with “Fishers of Men.” He truly believed in that ministry to the homeless and less fortunate. He attended Christian Fellowship Worship Center until he became ill and then began attending Turning Point Church in Vidor.
Bob is survived by his daughter Debbie (Scott) Cassell; daughter Cyndi Humar; son Al Chapman; daughter and caregiver Wanda (John) Lane. He is also survived by brother Richard (Roberta) Bockovich; and sisters Nona Smith, Nelda Westerlind and Florence (George) Bloomquist all of Grand Marais. Additionally there are multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by loved parents, Martin and Theresa Bockovich; beloved wives Delores “Dee” Dement and Josephine “Jo” Chapman Holmes; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Stanley Wisneski; brothers and sisters-in-law Halbert and Eva, Gilbert and Evelyn, Bruce and Shirley; brothers-in-law, Melvin Smith and Palmer Westerlind; and three infant brothers who are buried at Mineral Center.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life was held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Turning Point Church in Vidor, Texas. Full military honors were a part of that celebration. A memorial gathering will be held in Grand Marais at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Fishers of Men, 173 Bunns Bluff, Vidor, Texas 77662.
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