Robert Kim Vocke

Robert "Kim" Vocke, 71 years of age, passed away Monday at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, surrounded in peace and prayer by his devoted family. He was the loving husband of Lori Vocke (nee Tate), proud father of Stephanie Rentschler (Matthew), Jennifer Vocke (Brandon Kramer), Robert Vocke (Alexandra), Ross Vocke (Maria), and Samuel Vocke (Tara Trentman). Loving grandfather of Zachary, Annalise, Adeline, Henry, Lennox and Darcy, and dear brother of Sherrill Remke, Denise Vocke, and Nina Hinkel (Don), along with several nieces and nephews, many of whom affectionately called him "Uncle Buddy."  Kim was preceded in death by his parents Carl Robert and Helen Therese Vocke, and his beloved godson Matthew Remke. Kim was born on December 28th , 1953. He grew up on Carran Drive in Lakeside Park, KY, and would fondly tell stories of him and his gang getting into mischief. Kim graduated from Covington Catholic High School in 1971. During his time in high school, he served as President of the High Pals Club which kick-started his spirit of volunteerism. He went on to earn a B.A. in 1975 from Northern Kentucky University, completing his Law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at NKU, receiving his J.D. in 1978. Upon passing the Bar, Kim immediately got to work. At NKU, he taught courses in the areas of Criminal Law and Liability in Law Enforcement. Kim was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky in 1979, US Court of Appeals, 6 th Circuit in 1989 and began practicing law in Ohio in 1991. He was the Assistant Attorney for Kenton County earlier in his career. At the time of his passing Kim was working for the Campbell County Attorney’s Office and was serving as the legal advisor for the City of Bromley since 1982, while also maintaining his private law practice in Covington. Kim worked 6 days a week up until his passing, and his kids always knew they could find him in his office on any given Saturday morning. In addition to Kim’s busy weeks as a practicing attorney, what truly brought him joy was his volunteer and pro bono work. Kim was the President of the Board of Trustees for the Redwood School and Rehabilitation Center from 1980 – 1982. Throughout Kim’s career he was regularly recognized for his dedication of time and talent and being instrumental in making access to justice a reality for those in need. He provided invaluable contributions to the local Northern Kentucky community and provided his legal and representation service by accepting large numbers of pro bono cases throughout his career. He received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award in 2008, and in 2013 received the Pro Bono Career Commitment Award from NKVL. Kim humbly continued providing services to those in need until his last days. Kim was described by those who knew him as having a big heart, and always armed with a quick-witted comment to make someone smile. After his family, he loved the Cincinnati Bengals, and was a season ticket holder for 44 years. Kim was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan, he cherished his vacations to the beach, and enjoyed his visits to Washington DC, Myrtle Beach, and yearly trips to Williamsburg, VA for the last thirty years with the Holbrooks. He instilled a love of family, work ethic and volunteerism to everyone around him as well as Faith in God and Country. He meant the world to so many and will be missed by All.                   

Visitation will be on Monday, February 3rd from 9 -11:30AM at St. Agnes Church in Fort Wright. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30AM.