Gerald Robert "John" Kocab

Greene Twp. – Gerald "John" Robert Kocab, age 80, died at University Hospital in Geauga County during his sleep on Monday, November 28, 2022. He didn't go without a fight. He was not interested in machines and modern medical technology.
He was born on May 15, 1942 in Greene Twp., the son of Joseph F. Kocab and Lillie R. Prekel. Gerald was married to Linda (Olsen) Kocab for well over 30 years. They would have daily chats over coffee and enjoy each other's company every day.
John was an extremely hard-working life-long Farmer. He truly was devoted to each and every aspect of the farm whether it was delivering the calf babies, taking care of the sick animals, cleaning the ditches, making certain the milk tank was up to par for those "damn inspectors", or minding the crops to feed the animals. He never missed a day of work. He never took a vacation. Work, work, work was his mentality and he never once complained about it. It was his way of life.
He was strict! He never quite understood why (as teenagers) we did what we did. Whether it was "wearing shorty pants" or "running the roads, it oftentimes dumbfounded him. (Now as a parent, I get it much more).
If there was ever a trinket to be fixed, John always figured it out. As a teenager, I recall him fixing my car with bailing twine and it worked. Rather ingenus in many areas. He just had a knack. He was tenacious in that regard.
John is survived by his daughter Candace (Hector) Lopez, his son's Brett (Margie) and R.T. (Tamara) Clingan, his nephews Joe (Kelly) Kocab, Gary (Trina) Kocab and thankfully all 9 of his grandchildren Morgan (Brent) Swonger and Iris, Lincoln, and Noah White, Cecilia and Eli Lopez, Carter Clingan, Zoe and Cole Clingan, several great niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jim, Victor and Joseph Kocab, beloved wife, Linda Kocab and her 2 eldest Bart White and Roberta Clingan. He would; oftentimes, comment on how lucky he is to "Still be kicking it."
John had a great sense of humor. He was always cracking jokes. He was wise; however, you had to really know him to get him.
Thank you to all of his dearest friends for looking after him. Whether it was bringing him meals, helping him get to where he needed to go, or simply being there to help the time be more enjoyable.
A private graveside committal service will be officiated by Rev. David I. Bridling at Green Lawn Cemetery, Greene Twp., OH. Service entrusted to Paine Funeral Home, Inc., Orwell OH. Condolences may be made at painefuneralhome.com
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