Jon Hobart Ocker

MIFFLINBURG - Jon Hobart Ocker, 74, of 2655 Ridge Road, entered into rest on Saturday, April 25, 2009, while doing what he loved, farming at his home.
He was born May 19, 1934, in Lewistown, a son of the late Bryson and Eleanor (Beck) Ocker. On July 11, 1958, in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg, he married the former June Elliott, who survives.
Jon was a 1953 graduate of Mifflinburg High School. After graduation, he entered the Army and was a guard of prisoners while stationed in Germany.
Jon returned to Mifflinburg in 1955 and farmed with his father until 1969 when his father passed away, and at that time took over the family farm. He was named Dairylea Farmer of the Year in 1991. Jon was known as a progressive dairy farmer for his forward thinking. He was the first farmer in Union County to bring the Herd Grazing Program to the area. Farmers would travel from all parts of Pennsylvania to learn from Jon about grazing techniques. On July 24, 2007, after 59 years of dairy farming, Jon sold his herd, and then turned his attention to raising and selling hay, gardening in his large garden, and raising young steers.
He was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg, for 58 years.
Jon was a Pittsburgh Steeler and Penn State Football fan. He enjoyed spending time with his border collie, Jake, who was always by his side. Jon loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of nearly 51 years, he is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Shawn Ocker of Mifflinburg and Michele and David Holman of Mifflinburg; one son and daughter-in-law, Bryson and Amber Ocker of Indianapolis, Ind.; three grandchildren, Brandon and Kala Nelson, and Danielle Walize; two sisters, Francelyn Goss of Enola, and Lois Smith of Mifflinburg; one brother and sister-in-law, Sidney and Martha Ocker of Sunbury; one sister-in-law, Jean Ocker of Center Valley; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Louis and Lois Elliott of Mifflinburg, Dorothy Leitzel of Selinsgrove, and Harold and Virginia Solomon of Middleburg; numerous nieces and nephews; and his border collie, Jake.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Bryson Ocker Jr.
There will be no public viewing. Visitors may call from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Market St., Mifflinburg, where the funeral will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. Dennis E. Beaver, officiating.
A private burial will be in Mifflinburg Cemetery, with military honors by Mifflinburg American Legion Post 410.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Border Collie Rescue Association, 3-A Lacawac Rd., Lake Ariel, PA, 18436, or the Mifflinburg Future Farmers Association, Attn: Mr. Spangler, 75 Market St., Mifflinburg, PA 17844.
Funeral arrangements by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg.