Jerry Hocker

1944 - 2024

Elkhorn, WI - Jerry K. Hocker passed away on Thursday, December 4th, 2024, at Frontida in Elkhorn, WI after a long illness. Jerry was born February 12th, 1944, in Elwood, IN to Jospeh and Helen (Benedict) Hocker. Jerry was the youngest of six children. Jerry graduated from Elwood Highschool, were he ran track, and specialized in the high hurdles. Jerry honorably served in the Army from 1966-1968. Jerry graduated from Ball State University in Muncie IN. He then married the love of his life Bonnie (Gifford) Hocker on November 24th, 1967, in Wyoming, MI. Jerry was a well-loved teacher for 35 years, 31 of them with the Elkhorn school district retiring in 2006. He taught wood shop, and technical education both at Elkhorn Area High School, and Elkhorn Middle school. In addition to teaching, he coached high school soccer, and summer league baseball. He also refereed summer league soccer and church league softball. For many years he headed the middle school ski club, helping many students enjoy the benefits of skiing the area ski hills. As a community leader he helped start 2 churches: Lakeland Community Church, and River of Life Christian Church where he was an active member. He coached AWANA, and along with his wife Bonnie, hosted over 100 foster children for Walworth County. Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years Bonnie Hocker, twin brother Larry (Sharon) Hocker, and his 4 children; Heidi Hocker, Eric (Kathy Schnapp) Hocker, Aaron (YoungSuk Park) Hocker, and Jared (Cortney Shiroda) Hocker. His grandchildren; Zachary, Lindsay, Brady, Rachel, Sarah, and

Finley, as well as his step-grandchildren, Jessie, Josie, Jos. and Jazzmyne, along with many nieces, nephews, foster children, foster grandchildren, cousins, and friends. A casual Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on Saturday April 26th, 2025 at the River of Life Church, 910 Geneva Street Delavan, WI 53115 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. A time of sharing will take place at 3:00PM following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry's name to Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter 620 S. 76th St Suite 160 Milwaukee, WI 53214. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory are proud to have served the Hocker family.