Robert "Bob" D. Bockovich (77) was born to Martin and Theresa Bockovich in Grand Marais, MN. He grew up in a very large and loving family that included eleven brothers and sisters. After high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 20 years aboard multiple aircraft carriers and around the world. He was a proficient jet mechanic and leader. His years with the Navy included the Korean and Viet Nam wars. Bob loved his country and served her well. On April 4, 1961 he married his first wife, Delores 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. 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 the 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. Texas.
Bob is survived by his daughter Debbie (Scott) Cassell; daughter Cyndi Humar; son Al Chapman; and, daughter and caregiver Wanda (John) Lane. He is also survived by brother Richard (Roberta) Bockovich; sisters, Nona Smith, Nelda (Palmer) Westerlind, and Florence (George) Bloomquist all of Grand Marais, MN. Additionally there are multiple grandchildren, great grands, nieces, nephews and extended family.
We would like to say a special thank you to Libby Taylor and Libby Boulet of Earth Angels; Mechelle Fowler and Mona Vincent for your loving care of Bob. We could not have done this without you!
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life is planned for Saturday, March 12, 2016 with a gathering of friends and family at 10:00 a.m. and the memorial immediately following at 11:00 a.m. It will be held at Turning Point Church in Vidor, Texas. Full military honors will be a part of this celebration. In lieu of flowers, please make your memorial contribution to Fishers of Men, 173 Bunns Bluff, Vidor, Texas 77662.